Fire in engine.

[Dreadybird]

Hi there hoping to provoke some discussion /ideas about the cause of and prevention of fire in the engine. After spending a year on the complete restoration of our 1970 T2 she went up in smoke when driving a couple of miles across town. To say we are gutted is an understament. The police advised that this was the third campervan fire they have been called to in a month. Now am talking to people it seems to be a common problem. Any ideas on what could have caused it and hope we might prevent any more of our beloved earlybays going up in smoke?

 

[Mags]

Ugh, Really gutted for you, sorry to hear that you must be devestated.
I'm afraid it is a common problem and I think there are a few reasons. Have a search as it would have been covered before but the common culprits are the wrong type of fuel hose, old fuel hose and where the steel pipe passes through the fanhousing and wears, it needs to be checked closely and often.
Make sure you get the best you can from the insurers, especially if it has been restored, don't accept any BS.

 

[Cali_bay]

WHS^^ often fuel lines or no clips fitted. Always worth replacing if you don't know when they were past done. Also make sure they are changed all the way back to these tank.

A firetek extinguisher is also a good option in the engine bay, may not save the his totally but buys some time.

Sorry to here this, gutted for you.

 

[Dreadybird]

Thankyou guys, I bet the insurers wont run to counselling sessions, but am hoping whats left of her will evidence the quality of the restoration. Current family discussion is revolving around fuel pumps, (Simon, son, welding) has found an article in an old Volksworld saying that new fuel pumps can be inconsistent in there pressure, anyone else have this experience? if so what can we do to avoid again. New pump and pipes were all fitted. Halfords fire extinguisher like spitting in the wind. Will definately go for a higher quality model next time. Yes there will be a next time but definately not a full resto. :|

 

[AGC]

What a REAL bastard for you....Firetek or similar extinguisher system next time eh

 

[Trikky2]

Fire is the number one cause of older / classic cars being written off.

Thats ALL of them - not just VW.

Admittedly some catch fire whilst being worked on/welded but the main cause is poor maintenance eg. dodgy fuel lines, missing clips and poor electrics - coupled with infrequent use and inspection.

Then there are also some cases of ageing or dodgy parts like carbs where the brass fuel nozzle comes out of the casting.

Some stuff ages and wears out even if its just sat in the garage. As previously posted - keep checking on a regular basis.