Section R. 281.1236 - Backfire flame controlRule 6.
(1) Every gasoline engine installed in a motorboat after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, shall be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control.(2) Installations made before November 19, 1952, need not meet the requirements of this rule and may be continued in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. Replacements shall meet the requirements in this rule.(3) Installations consisting of backfire flame arresters bearing United States coast guard approval no. 162.015 may be continued in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. Replacements shall meet the requirements of this rule.(4) Installations consisting of engine air and fuel induction systems and given United States coast guard approval no. 162.015 may be continued in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. Replacements shall meet the requirements of this rule.(5) The following are acceptable means of backfire flame control for gasoline engines: (a) A backfire flame arrester constructed in accordance with specifications of, and approved by, the United States coast guard. The flame arrester shall be suitably secured to the air intake with flame-tight connections.(b) An engine air and fuel induction system which provides adequate protection from propagation of backfire flame to the atmosphere equivalent to that provided by an approved backfire flame arrester. A gasoline engine utilizing an air and fuel induction system, and operated without an approved backfire flame arrester shall have the installation tested and labeled in accordance with the specifications of, and approved by, the United States coast guard.(c) Any attachment to the carburetor or the engine air induction system to ensure that flames caused by engine backfire will be dispersed to the atmosphere outside the vessel so that the flames will not endanger the vessel, persons on board, or nearby vessels and structures. All attachments shall be of metallic construction with flame-tight connections and firmly secured to withstand vibration, shock, and engine backfire. The installations do not require formal approval and labeling, but will be accepted by state and local law enforcement officers on the basis of compliance with this rule.(d) If manufacturers produce an integrated engine-vessel design, a pre-market approval of an engine air induction system is available. An installation shall be tested and labeled in accordance with specifications approved by the United States coast guard.Mich. Admin. Code R. 281.1236