HONDA Insight - Manual (Page 28)

28
P
LASTIC
F
UEL
T
ANK
The Honda Insight uses a plastic fuel tank.
Use of a plastic fuel tank reduces weight. Also, since the plastic fuel tank will not corrode, it is far less
susceptible to developing a leak whereby gasoline and/or gasoline vapours can escape into the
environment.
Plastic fuel tanks have been used successfully on other vehicles for a number of years, particularly in
Europe. Plastic is also used for transporting and storing gasoline in the form of the commonly seen red
plastic "cans".
Construction
The Insight's plastic fuel tank is made up of six layers of four different materials:
• Ethyl Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH)
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
• Regrind plastic (recycled polyethylene)
• Plastic adhesive
The EVOH is used because of its impermeability to hydrocarbons. IT ensures that the liquid fuel and
vapors are sealed within the tank. The other materials provide structural stability.
The fuel pump is accessible from inside the car. The air intake for the IMA heat sink cooling fan covers
the access hole. The rubber intake tube must be removed to gain access to the fuel pump.
See also:
• Refueling Vapor Recovery