Ansi B71.10 - 2008

ANSI/OPEI B71.
10-2008
American National Standard
for Small Off-Road Ground-Supported

Outdoor Power Equipment –
Gasoline Fuel Systems –
Performance Specifications and
Test Procedures
ANSI/OPEI B71.10-2008
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Copyright American National Standards Institute

Provided by IHS under license with ANSI
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---



Test Procedures
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Sponsor
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Approved January 8, 2008

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Approval of an American National Standard requires review by ANSI that the
American requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval have
National been met by the standards developer.
Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of

Standards Review, substantial agreement has been reached by directly and
materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than
a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all
views and objections be considered, and that a concerted effort be made
towards their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; their
existence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether he has approved
the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using
products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
The American National Standards Institute does not develop standards and
will in no circumstances give an interpretation of any American National
Standard. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an
interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American
National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should be
addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title
page of this standard.
CAUTION NOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards
Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm, revise, or
withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may
receive current information on all standards by calling or writing the American
National Standards Institute.
Published by
American National Standards Institute, Inc.

25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
Copyright © 2008 by American National Standards Institute, Inc.

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

form, stored in an electronic retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form or by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise),
without prior written permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Contents
Page
Foreword ................................................................................................................ii
1 Scope ........................................................................................................... 1
2 Normative References.................................................................................. 1
3 Terms and Definitions................................................................................... 1
4 Performance Specifications.......................................................................... 2
4.1 Construction ................................................................................................. 2
4.2 Fuel Tank Integrity........................................................................................ 2
4.3 Resistance to Stress Cracking ..................................................................... 2
4.4 Fuel Line....................................................................................................... 2
4.5 Corrosion Resistance ................................................................................... 2
4.6 Installation .................................................................................................... 3
5 Test Procedures ........................................................................................... 3
5.1 Fuel Tank Leak Test..................................................................................... 3
5.2 Fuel Tank Cyclic Pressure Integrity Test...................................................... 3
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
5.3 Fuel Tank Elevated Temperature Fuel Soak Test (for Injection-Molded
HDPE Fuel Tanks) [Standard Test Method for Elevated Temperature
Fuel Exposure Test to Measure the Resistance to Fuel-Induced Slow
Crack Growth of Injection-Molded High-Density Polyethylene Fuel
Tank Materials and Designs]................................................................... 4
5.4 Fuel Line Assembly Tensile Test.................................................................. 6
Annexes
A Rationale ...................................................................................................... 7
B Bibliography.................................................................................................. 9
i
Foreword (This foreword is not part of American National Standard ANSI/OPEI B71.10-2008.)
This standard is the first edition of the American National Standard for Small Off-
Road Ground-Supported Outdoor Power Equipment - Gasoline Fuel Systems - Per-
formance Specifications and Test Procedures.
NOTE: The effective date of ANSI/OPEI B71.10-2008 shall be one year after the ap-
proval date of this standard.
There are two annexes in this standard. Both of them are informative and are not
considered part of this standard.
Suggestions for improvement of the standard will be welcomed. They should be sent
to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, 341 South Patrick Street, Alexandria, VA
22314.
The following organizations, recognized as having an interest in the standardization
of safety requirements for walk-behind mowers and ride-on machines with mowers,
were contacted prior to the approval of this standard. Inclusion in the list does not
necessarily imply that the organization concurred with the submittal of the proposal to
ANSI.
Mr. Bruce Huhmann - Consumer

Mr. Jeffrey Jansen - Consumer
Mr. Steve Scholten - Consumer
Mr. Art Lucht - Consumer
Ariens Company (Mr. Fred Moreaux) - Producer
Briggs and Stratton Co. (Mr. Thomas Wise) - Producer
Consumer Product Safety Commission (Ms. Susan Bathalon) - General Interest
Design Services Inc. (Mr. Joe Oliver) - General Interest
Eaton Corp. (Mr. Vaughn Mills) - Producer
Kelch (Mr. Michael Holz) - Producer
Nevada Automotive Testing Center (Mr. Andy McCool) - General Interest
Underwriters Laboratories (Mr. Donald Snyder) - General Interest
Walbro Engine Management (Mr. Mark Swanson) - Producer
ii
--`,,```,,,,````-

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD ANSI/OPEI B71.10-2008


Test Procedures
1 Scope
This standard describes performance based test procedures applicable to the gasoline fuel systems for
ground-supported outdoor power equipment with spark ignition engines less than 1 liter displacement.
NOTE: The tests described in this standard involve the use of hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2 Normative References
The following standards contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this American National Standard. All standards are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based
on this American National Standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most
recent editions of the standards indicated below.
EPA CFR 40 Section 90.1, Protection of Environment, Control of Emissions from Nonroad Spark-Ignition
Engines at or Below 19 Kilowatts
ANSI/OPEI B71.3- 2005, Outdoor Power Equipment – Snow Throwers – Safety Specifications
NFPA 497-2004, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors
and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas
NFPA 70-2005 National Electrical Code®
3 Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 Fuel Tank
A storage vessel that is an integral part of the product that is used to supply fuel to engines regulated
by EPA CFR40 Section 90.1. This is distinct from separate fuel storage vessels.
3.2 Operator Zone
The space on or near the machine where the operator is normally stationed to control the machine
functions.
3.3 Fuel System
The system includes the fuel tank, the filler cap, fuel line (tubing or hose), and any fuel sensor or other
components that are connected to the tank or involved in supplying fuel to the engine. It does not
include carburetors and fuel pumps, but does include the fuel line connections to these components.
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
1
3.4 Stress Crack
An external or internal fracture in plastic caused by nominal tensile stresses below the yield stress of
that material.
3.5 Stress Crack Failure
For the purposes of this standard, a failure is the propagation of a stress crack through the component
wall of sufficient magnitude to allow fuel to leak.
3.6 Fresh Fuel
Regular, unleaded gasoline purchased within three (3) months of beginning of test.
3.7 Class I, Group D Materials
Gases, vapors, or liquids that are explosive or pose a threat as ignitable mixtures as defined in NFPA
497-2004 and NFPA 70-2005.
4 Performance Specifications
4.1 Construction
All fuel tanks shall be designed and manufactured to hold gasoline without leaking, in accordance with
the test procedure in 5.1.
4.2 Fuel Tank Integrity
Every fuel tank design shall be qualified one-time in accordance with the cyclic pressure test specified
in 5.2.
4.3 Resistance to Stress Cracking
Every injection molded High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fuel tank design shall be qualified one-time
in accordance with the Elevated Temperature Fuel Soak test procedure in 5.3.
4.4 Fuel Line
All fuel line connections shall meet the fuel line assembly tensile test requirements of 5.4, except as
follows:
-- Fuel lines of less than 50 mm (2 inches) in length and which are held in place by compression
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
during assembly;
-- Fuel line assembly connections which cannot reasonably be exposed to a tensile pull in the end
use.
4.5 Corrosion Resistance
The fuel system should be designed, constructed, and installed to resist the anticipated internal and
external corrosive environment for the intended use and life of the equipment.
4.6 Installation
The tank installation should accommodate the twisting and bending movements and vibrations of the
machine. The connections of flexible parts with rigid parts of the tank installation assembly shall be so
designed and constructed as to maintain a sealed connection under these dynamic conditions.
2
5 Test Procedures
5.1 Fuel Tank Leak Test
This test specification is used to confirm the leak integrity of a fuel tank or fuel tank assembly. Every
fuel tank manufactured shall be leak tested, either as a separate tank or in an assembly.
5.1.1 Leak Test Procedure (Immersion Method)
(1) Seal all connections in the fuel tank sufficiently to allow pressure testing.
Submerge the sealed fuel tank (assembly) in a dunk tank filled with clear water,
such that the entire fuel tank is 25 mm (1 inch) to 300 mm (12 inches) under
water. A fixture to support the tank is allowed but not required for this test.
(2) Pressurize the tank and hold for a minimum of 15 seconds. Use a pressure equal
to the greater of 34.5 kPa ± 3.5 kPa (5 psi ± 0.5 psi), or 1.5 times the maximum
expected operating pressure
(3) While under pressure, visually observe the tank for evidence of active leakage.
Active leakage is defined as presence of any formed bubbles that reappear
after having been wiped away.
Acceptance: No active leakage is allowed.
5.1.2 Other Leak Test Procedures
Other test methods such as the pressure decay and mass flow methods are also
acceptable means of leak testing fuel tanks, if the procedure has been demonstrated to
detect leaks detectable with the immersion method.
5.2 Fuel Tank Cyclic Pressure Integrity Test
The test is to be performed as a qualification test, on a fuel tank or fuel tank assembly. This test
is a one-time test for a given design and material combination.
Caution: This test involves handling of gasoline. Personnel should take necessary safety
precautions when performing this test.
The test shall be performed with a minimum of four (4) randomly selected samples. At least one
(1) sample per mold cavity shall be qualified. All fuel tank openings should be sealed in a manner
consistent with actual assembly connections. A fixture to support the tank according to the
application is allowed, but not required, for this test.
5.2.1 Conditioning
Use E10 fuel only (unleaded gasoline with 10% ethanol), fill the tanks to at least 90% of the
manufacturer’s recommended “full” level, and store at 20°C ± 5°C (68°F ± 9°F) for a minimum of
fourteen (14) days.
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
3
(1) Remove the fuel from the tanks. Apply cyclic pressure in a range from zero (0)
to 27.6 kPa ± 3 kPa (4 psi ± 0.4 psi), at an overall rate between 2 and 5 cycles
per minute, with a minimum two second hold time. (NOTE: One cycle = fill,
hold, and vent.)
NOTE: The test may be performed with air pressure, water pressure, or a water filled
tank cycled with air pressure. Water has the advantage of visually showing a premature
leak during the cycle testing.
(2) Test to 10,000 cycles or until a leak is detected. At the end of 10,000 cycles,
perform a leak test as a final inspection procedure (see 5.1, Fuel Tank Leak
Test) to verify the integrity of the tank.
Acceptance: All samples shall pass without leaking.
5.3 Fuel Tank Elevated Temperature Fuel Soak Test (for Injection-Molded HDPE Fuel
Tanks) [Standard Test Method for Elevated Temperature Fuel Exposure Test to Measure
the Resistance to Fuel-Induced Slow Crack Growth of Injection-Molded High-Density
Polyethylene Fuel Tank Materials and Designs]
This test method evaluates the susceptibility of injection molded high density polyethylene fuel
tanks (including properties inherent from manufacturing) to stress cracking after extended
exposure to fuel. This test is to be performed on a fuel tank, or fuel tank assembly, as a one-time
qualification test.
5.3.1 Test Sample Identification
Each tested tank shall be clearly marked with a unique identification number that can be
traced to the following information.
• Date of manufacture.
• Material brand name, grade, and lot number.
• Material additive package: colorant, concentrate carrier, and other relevant

additive information.
• Tank manufacturer’s name.
• Model and revision level of tank design.
• Brand, grade, ethanol content (if any), and purchase date of fuel used.
• Manufacturing and processing data.
• Mold cavity number of tank sample.
5.3.2 Fuel
The fuel used for this testing shall be fresh, regular, unleaded gasoline. Fuel containing
ethanol or other additives may be used. Record the brand, grade, purchase location, and
purchase date of fuel.
Caution: Gasoline is used at an elevated temperature in this test. Personnel should take necessary
safety precautions when performing this test. Cautionary standards for handling and disposal of
hazardous materials should be observed. Testing chamber should be approved for the long-term
storage of Class I, Group D materials.
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
4
5.3.3 Procedure
(1) Sample size is to be ten (10) fuel tanks. Choose representative samples
from each mold cavity.
(2) Leak test all tanks to be tested, using the leak test procedure in 5.1. Careful
inspection of any tank that exhibits leaking at the inlet or outlet should be
performed to ensure leaking is due to poor sealing and not a crack in the tank
itself. If any tank leaks upon initial leak testing, the tank shall be excluded
from this test.
(3) Mount the fuel tank in a manner representative of the end use application.
(a) Install any gauges, filters or screens that are typically used on the
tank in the end use application.
(b) Attach any additional exterior components to the tank that may
constrict or otherwise contribute to stresses incurred by the tank
during the test.
(c) The cap used shall be vented or nonvented, depending on that which
is used in the end use application.
(4) Block off the fuel outlet by attaching a fuel line(s) using the production intent
clamp(s). The opposite end of the fuel line is to be closed off in a manner that
will prevent fuel from leaking.
(5) Fill the fuel tanks to recommended capacity with fresh fuel, install the proper
cap on the inlet securely, and place the tanks in the chamber.
(6) Monitor the temperature of the test chamber. Test is considered started only
after the temperature of 60°C ± 1.7°C (140°F ± 3°F) has been reached and
maintained for a period of one (1) hour. This temperature is to be maintained
for the duration of the test.
(7) Monitor the tanks in an appropriate manner such that any leak formation will
be detected.
(8) Periodic manual inspection shall be performed to ensure maintenance of

proper fuel level and observations of early failures.
(a) Record all relevant observations. Special attention needs to be paid

to any corners or radii that may act as stress concentration points.
(b) Empty and leak test any tank that is suspected of failure. If no leak is
detected, refill with fuel and return to test chamber. If leak is
detected, remove the tank and document the time the tank was
removed from the chamber.
(c) Check the fuel level of the tank. The fuel level shall be maintained
between 75% and 100% of recommended capacity.
(d) Return fuel tank to the testing chamber.
(9) After 168 hours (7 days) of testing, all tanks are to be removed from the
environmental chamber, emptied of fuel, and leak tested in accordance with
5.1.
Acceptance: The test is passed if all ten (10) tanks do not leak.
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
5
5.4 Fuel Line Assembly Tensile Test
The test is to be performed as a qualification test on a fuel line assembly. The entire
assembly including the barb/nipple, hose/line, and clamp is being tested. The Service Test is
to be conducted immediately after the Initial Assembly Test is completed.
Caution: This test involves handling of gasoline. Personnel should take necessary safety precautions
when performing this test.
5.4.1 Sample Selection
Select five (5) or more fuel line assemblies to be tested. It is recommended that the samples come
from different shipments of the fuel line and/or from different segments of the fuel line.
5.4.2 Initial Assembly Test
(1) Assemble the fuel line and clamp onto the fuel fitting to be tested, using the same
assembly techniques and lubricants, if any, as used in production.
(2) The hose complete with fittings shall be dry-air aged at 20°C ± 5°C (68°F ± 9°F) for
sixty (60) minutes.
(3) Just prior to test, run ten (10) ml of the fuel through the fuel line to wet the connection.
(4) Apply the load so that a straight pull is applied.
Acceptance: The assembly shall withstand a minimum pull of 130 N (30 lbf) for five (5)
seconds without slipping.
5.4.3 Service Test
(1) Disassemble the connection per the manufacturer’s recommendations for servicing.
Soak the exposed end of the fuel line (same line as used in previous test) in fuel for
fifteen (15) minutes.
(2) Re-assemble the fuel line and clamp onto the same fuel fitting.
(3) Apply the load so that a straight pull is applied.
Acceptance: The assembly shall withstand a minimum pull of 44 N (10 lbf) for five (5) seconds
without slipping.
6
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Annex A (informative) – Rationale
NOTE: The numbering of clauses in this annex pertains to the numbering of the clauses in the main text of this
standard.
A.4.4 Rationale – Fuel Line
Design alternatives, such as protective shielding or extra clamping to another structure, may be used
to satisfy the intent of providing a fuel line connection that does not pull apart.
A.5.2 Rationale – Fuel Tank Cyclic Pressure Integrity Test
Even for nonpressurized applications, this test has been demonstrated to be useful in detecting
sharp corners/radii, manufacturing defects, poor welding processes, and some material issues. In a
pressurized fuel tank application, a higher pressure (i.e., at least 150% of maximum expected
operating pressure) should be considered.
A.5.2.1 Conditioning
For most current fuel tank materials, fuel permeation through a 3-mm wall of the tank is stable after
fourteen (14) days.
A.5.3 Rationale – Fuel Tank Elevated Temperature Fuel Soak Test (for Injection-Molded
HDPE Fuel Tanks)
It is theorized that the mechanism of this failure is a slow-crack-growth phenomenon caused by

stresses induced in the high-density polyethylene, as well as the reduced mechanical strength
caused from the contact with fuel.
As gasoline is not an environmental stress-cracking agent by accepted definition, the term

“environmental stress cracking” is not used.
Currently, this part of the standard applies to injection-molded high-density polyethylene fuel tanks.
Data supporting the applicability to other manufacturing processes is incomplete.
A.5.3.2 Fuel
Gasoline is a formulated mixture with the more volatile components (including additives like methyl
tertiary-butyl ether [MTBE], ethanol, or methanol), which evaporate quickly at the 60°C (140°F) test
temperature. Since differences in fuel have not been demonstrated to have an effect in this test,
regular unleaded pump-grade gasoline may be used. Fuel containing ethanol or other additives may
also be used.
A.5.3.3 Procedure
(9) Testing has been performed that has demonstrated that acceptable fuel tanks have lasted
beyond 168 hours (7 days) in this test. Tanks that were known to be unacceptable have not
exceeded 168 hours (7 days).
Acceptance: In Zero-fail testing, all samples must pass a minimum accelerated hours test to gain the
required confidence in the design.
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
7
A.5.4 Rationale – Fuel Line Assembly Tensile Test
It is theorized that there are two likely scenarios where a fuel line pull-off failure may occur. The first
scenario is when the fuel line and the surrounding components have been assembled for a
significant length of time, prior to the loading, and during operation the fuel line gets hooked on a
shrub, branch, or other object.
The second scenario is when the fuel line is intentionally removed from the tank or other fitting in
order to drain the fuel system. In this test, the fuel line is soaked for a period of time, reassembled,
and then pulled. The fuel acts as a lubricant. The acceptance criteria for the second scenario are
taken from ANSI/OPEI B71.3-2005.
8 --`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Annex B (informative) – Bibliography
The following referenced documents are useful for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
ASTM D380-94, Standard Test Methods for Rubber Hose
ASTM D471-06, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property – Effect of Liquids
ASTM D1149-99, Standard Test Method for Rubber Determination – Surface Ozone Cracking in a Chamber
ASTM D1693-05, Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Cracking of Ethylene Plastics
ASTM D2463-95, Standard Test Method for Drop Impact Resistance of Blow-Molded Thermoplastic
Containers
ASTM D2561-95, Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress-Crack Resistance of Blow-Molded
Polyethylene Containers
ASTM D5419-95, Standard Test Method for Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR) of Threaded
Plastic Closures
ASTM F852-99, Standard Specification for Portable Gasoline Containers for Consumer Use
ISO 11469:2000, Plastics – Generic identification and marking of plastics products
SAE J30, Fuel and Oil Hoses
--`,,```,,,,````-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
SAE J288, Snowmobile Fuel Tanks
SAE J1241, Fuel and Lubricant Tanks for Motorcycles
SAE J1681, Gasoline, Alcohol, and Diesel Fuel Surrogates for Materials Testing
SAE J2260, Nonmetallic Fuel System Tubing with One or More Layers
SAE J2587, Optimized Fuel Tank Sender Closure


Ansi B71.10 - 2008

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ansi B71.10 - 2008

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ansi B71.10 - 2008

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

ANSI/OPEI B71.

American National Standard

for Small Off-Road Ground-Supported

Copyright American National Standards Institute

Copyright American National Standards Institute

American National Standard

Gasoline Fuel Systems –

Approved January 8, 2008

Copyright American National Standards Institute

Standard Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Copyright © 2008 by American National Standards Institute, Inc.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any

Printed in the United States of America

Copyright American National Standards Institute

Mr. Bruce Huhmann - Consumer

Copyright American National Standards Institute

American National Standard

Gasoline Fuel Systems –

NFPA 70-2005 National Electrical Code®

3 Terms and Definitions

3.1 Fuel Tank

3.2 Operator Zone

3.3 Fuel System

3.4 Stress Crack

3.5 Stress Crack Failure

3.6 Fresh Fuel

3.7 Class I, Group D Materials

4.2 Fuel Tank Integrity

4.3 Resistance to Stress Cracking

4.4 Fuel Line

4.5 Corrosion Resistance

5.1.1 Leak Test Procedure (Immersion Method)

Acceptance: No active leakage is allowed.

5.1.2 Other Leak Test Procedures

5.2 Fuel Tank Cyclic Pressure Integrity Test

Acceptance: All samples shall pass without leaking.

5.3.1 Test Sample Identification

• Material brand name, grade, and lot number.

• Material additive package: colorant, concentrate carrier, and other relevant

• Tank manufacturer’s name.

• Model and revision level of tank design.

• Manufacturing and processing data.

• Mold cavity number of tank sample.

(8) Periodic manual inspection shall be performed to ensure maintenance of

(a) Record all relevant observations. Special attention needs to be paid

(d) Return fuel tank to the testing chamber.

5.4 Fuel Line Assembly Tensile Test

5.4.1 Sample Selection

5.4.2 Initial Assembly Test

(4) Apply the load so that a straight pull is applied.

5.4.3 Service Test

(3) Apply the load so that a straight pull is applied.

Copyright American National Standards Institute

Annex A (informative) – Rationale

A.4.4 Rationale – Fuel Line

A.5.2 Rationale – Fuel Tank Cyclic Pressure Integrity Test

It is theorized that the mechanism of this failure is a slow-crack-growth phenomenon caused by

As gasoline is not an environmental stress-cracking agent by accepted definition, the term