Definitive Fire Prevention?

[hipshaker]

i wondered whether it might be possible to get an agreed list of fire prevention methods/strategies on here. i've read through some of the comments with interest, and group buy options/suggestions, but i could do with a sort of "idiots guide" or list to this of the "best" things to do. there must be one or two other that need it spelled out in simple terms?

i'd be grateful if those in the know could start posting here.

 

[Araon]

OK lets start then


1. Make sure you have good solid fuel lines and are using fuel clips not jubilees, minimum joints especially in the engine bay fuel filter out of the way (though accessible as you want to be able to see and change it).
2. Make sure your electrics are all secure and generally kept clear of moving parts, insulation in good order and no bare copper so where crimps are present make sure the plastic sleeve covers over the insulation (heat shrink may also be a good idea adding electrical protection and physical).
3. Tinware all present and correct, with rubber seals in good order
4. Clean and tidy engine bay, degrease and wash down keep it that way.

 

[dubdubz]

5. employ a fuel cutoff valve in event of fuel leak or engine fire - such as the group buy cutoff

6.engine in decent state of tune - ie not running hot or spitting back through carbs

7. all carb bolts tight and no leaks on spindles or manifolds

edit I'm not this btw :lol:

i'd be grateful if those in the know could start posting here.

2nd edit

1. Make sure you have good solid fuel lines

I think Aaron also meant good quality fuel hose in this statement, R9 or A1 grade which cope with modern fuel content, as well as sound solid fuel pipe sections?

 

[hipshaker]

what's the issue with fuel clips v jubilee clips?

and where is good for the fuel filter? i was assuming somewhere you can easily see/change it.

 

[Clem]

what's the issue with fuel clips v jubilee clips?

and where is good for the fuel filter? i was assuming somewhere you can easily see/change it.

Jubillees 'dig' into the fuel line and weaken it.

My plastic fuel filter is just off the tank outlet .... imo a filter in the engine bay is two more 'joints' too many and extra clutter.

 

[Htotheunit]

firetec auto extinguishers are a pretty wise buy too

 

[VeeDubMan]

This should be a 'sticky' imo.

 

[hipshaker]

so,

i've got the solenoid cut off thing

getting a firetec extinguisher

will get this hose and clip set:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380142086701&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

move the fuel filter to somewhere near the tank

anything else?

 

[maybee]

one the eletrical side check your fuses i found most of mine over sized

 

[hipshaker]

sounds like a good idea.

so, with this cut off valve and filter. located something like this?:

tank - valve - filter -| engine

or

tank - filter - valve - | engine

 

[dubdubz]

tank - filter - valve - | engine

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380142086701&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

email 1st as Alan is doing a deal for early bayers mention that Darren sent you.........

 

[Araon]

tank, internal filter (usually long dead), filter, solenoid, pump, carb, manifold, head...

 

[BJ1]

Check all tank breather hose connections, especially those hidden on left and right of engine bay. The only two van fires I've seen in 35 years were caused by missing and cracked tank breather hoses which led to fuel spilling out when cornering with a full tank. Both drivers knew they had a problem ("thought it smelt of petrol on roundabouts" :roll: ) but couldn't be arsed to fix it.

 

[Camperdan]

Check all tank breather hose connections, especially those hidden on left and right of engine bay.

I'll second this as these often get forgotten.... in fact most people don't even know they are there.... and on all 3 bays I've owned in the past these were cracked, split, leaking or even missing! :shock:

I first discovered this potential safety issue the very first time I brimmed the tank on my first van at a petrol station and someone ran over to tell me that the fuel was coming out from under the van, when I checked it was all running down the left hand side of the engine bay and filling the battery tray and then over onto the floor! Needless to say, I check these often and replace them at the first sign of anything dodgy looking.

 

[hipshaker]

any thousghts on these filters and stainless hose from ratsport?

http://shop1.actinicexpress.co.uk/shops/Rat_Sport/index.php?cat=Fuel_Filters" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://shop1.actinicexpress.co.uk/shops/Rat_Sport/index.php?cat=Fuel_Hose" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;