Red Car FIRE
08-02-2016, 03:48 PM
#46
Burning Brakes
Sorry for the loss 
. I've seen a number of these engine fires posted that I really need to get a fire extinquisher.
Best wishes....
'89 928 S4 GP White/Black
. I've seen a number of these engine fires posted that I really need to get a fire extinquisher. Best wishes....
'89 928 S4 GP White/Black
08-02-2016, 03:56 PM
#48
Rennlist Member
Sorry to see this.
What is the actual ignition source for these fires? Certainly leaked fuel, oil or power steering fluid are fire hazards, but what is hot enough in the engine compartment of a 928 to ignite even gasoline fumes?
Maybe I am wrong about things not being hot enough to spontaneously ignite, but I have seen a couple of cars, not 928s, with scary fuel leaks on the engine that were disasters waiting to happen but had not burned.
A possible source of ignition, at least in the later cars, could be the open nature of the distributors on the camshafts: the rotors and electrodes are in the plenum of the timing belt which is vented by air from the engine compartment that could carry flammable fumes.
The above is just a theory, but 928s have more engine fires than seems reasonable. Does anyone know if the earlier cars with "normal" distributors have the same fire problem as the later cars, or have an explanation?
What is the actual ignition source for these fires? Certainly leaked fuel, oil or power steering fluid are fire hazards, but what is hot enough in the engine compartment of a 928 to ignite even gasoline fumes?
Maybe I am wrong about things not being hot enough to spontaneously ignite, but I have seen a couple of cars, not 928s, with scary fuel leaks on the engine that were disasters waiting to happen but had not burned.
A possible source of ignition, at least in the later cars, could be the open nature of the distributors on the camshafts: the rotors and electrodes are in the plenum of the timing belt which is vented by air from the engine compartment that could carry flammable fumes.
The above is just a theory, but 928s have more engine fires than seems reasonable. Does anyone know if the earlier cars with "normal" distributors have the same fire problem as the later cars, or have an explanation?
Its just aged parts that fail or loose connections and flammable fluids on hot exhaust or bad plug wires that cause these fires.
08-02-2016, 03:57 PM
#49
Rennlist Member
That's horrible. Sorry for your loss. It looks like a white powder on the ground in the first picture. Is that from an extinguisher or from something blowing up?
08-02-2016, 04:23 PM
#50
Sorry for your loss. You've been down a long stretch of rough road with this girl...I'd dump her and cut my losses. You may love her...but it's obvious...she doesn't feel the same way about you...and sometimes...it just ain't meant to be.
It just sucks all the way around.
Brian.
It just sucks all the way around.
Brian.
08-02-2016, 05:00 PM
#51
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Brian, I am feeling that it was a one sided relationship. My 80 may not be as pretty but she never really let me down like this one has. Always great to hang out with the most beautiful woman but if she isn't true it's not worth it.
Since I hadn't sold my 80 I'm now considering taking the insurance money from this one and putting it towards a repaint and a few other smaller issues.
Since I hadn't sold my 80 I'm now considering taking the insurance money from this one and putting it towards a repaint and a few other smaller issues.
08-02-2016, 05:04 PM
#52
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
The white powder is from fire bottles.
The interior, windshield, even the front bumper cover is OK. When I have the guts, I'll take more pics.
At the moment it's too painful
The interior, windshield, even the front bumper cover is OK. When I have the guts, I'll take more pics.
At the moment it's too painful
08-02-2016, 07:53 PM
#56
Rennlist Member
At the risk of sounding like a dick: It's a car. A thing. You're fine, your family and friends are fine. Things can be replaced. Don't lose any (more) sleep over it. Take your wife out to dinner, go see a movie with your kids, go outside and enjoy the day.
And, eventually, enjoy working on the next car!
And, eventually, enjoy working on the next car!
08-02-2016, 08:03 PM
#57
Sorry for your loss. Puts a knot in my stomach just to read about these things.
Just looked this up. Combustion temperature of gasoline can be as low as 495F, although it varies widely. Surprisingly low to me, anyway. I thought there must be an electrical component to most of these fires, but that changes my mind. I'm sure the exhaust manifold can easily light it up, even if you're just idling.
Just looked this up. Combustion temperature of gasoline can be as low as 495F, although it varies widely. Surprisingly low to me, anyway. I thought there must be an electrical component to most of these fires, but that changes my mind. I'm sure the exhaust manifold can easily light it up, even if you're just idling.
08-02-2016, 08:15 PM
#58
Pro
At the risk of sounding like a dick: It's a car. A thing. You're fine, your family and friends are fine. Things can be replaced. Don't lose any (more) sleep over it. Take your wife out to dinner, go see a movie with your kids, go outside and enjoy the day.
And, eventually, enjoy working on the next car!
And, eventually, enjoy working on the next car!
I agree life is far more important!!! But man I feel your angst, glad you ok, and I recon you should put the insurance money into your '80
08-02-2016, 10:26 PM
#60
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