Another fire danger with the vanagon is from a hot catalytic converter.  Be
especially careful when camping in dry grassy fields.

Dave in KC
85 Westy
http://members.fortunecity.com/davebaker1/westy/westy.htm

----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 11:19 AM
Subject: Re: Fires

> > I've heard about engine fires in volkswagon vans, I've never had such a
> > problem but I'm concerned about the possibility.  How does it usually
> > happen? And how do I avoid it?
>
> The most common cause is leaking fuel lines... fuel hitting the hot
exhaust
> pipes.
> To compound the problem the engine is in the rear and from what I've read
> here on the list it is typical for the fire to go unnoticed for a
while....
> The typical result is that the van is totaled!
>
> The moral of the story is to change those fuel hoses.... all of them....
Ken
> Wilfey sells a kit to do that... www.vanagain.com
>
> Also, carry a good fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
>
> Bill