This is typically not a problem for engines with minor
fires like this.  The mass in the block would take a long time to get
hot enough to do damage.  Of course there are exceptions to every
rule.....like the old bug motors....these things would axually
burn.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Mon, 3 Mar 2003, Robert Keezer wrote:

> The question is,
> has anyone who reads this list put back in service an engine that came from
> a Vanagon that had a engine compartment fire?
>
> I have such an engine and it after tearing it down to the case ,I have
> discovered it is a brand new engine.
>
> The Vanagon it came out of had an engine fire that was put out before it
> could melt the plastic engine lid .
>
> I think I have figured how the fire originated also.
> It was human error- the installer may not have connected a hose or left the
> brittle adaptor on the firewall, and gasoline leaked out. The engine was
> running, the giniton wire melted all the way to the key, melting the
> ignition switch and freezing the key in the on position.
>
> The fire was quickly extinguished, both rear quarter windows were smashed
> out and the also the rear hatch window.
>
> The rear hatch was locked, so the lock and consequently the hatch was
> damaged in order to open the hatch.
>
> It looks like a fire department save, because a Vanagon mechanic would know
> that smashing out the side windows would avail nothing)Or would he? Maybe
> the installer wasn't a VW specialist.
>
> Anyway, I have removed the engine and the burnt components. It looks like
> the flames never touched the top engine surface. The head gaskets did'nt
> burn. The engine  was full of coolant.
>
> No fire burnt under the engine, which is shiny new. It has a yellow engine
> sticker that tells it was remanufactured at Cummins Canada. The sticker
> did'nt burn.
>
> The case scrubbed up to a new shiny metal. It was only smoked.
> A lot melted plastic covered the top of the case.
> I don't know at what temperature these plastics melt at, but I would guess
> below 500 degrees, and the plastic would create an insulating barrier from
> the heat above.
> Also, at the base of a fire is a layer of air.
>
> Since the engine case itself never ignited, but the components above it did,
> the rubber intake boot for example, then this air layer would be even
> greater, much like the air space below a fireplace grate.
>
> I'm grateful fpor any comments on your experience or scientific
> observations.
>
> Thanks-
>
> Robert K
>
> 1982 Westfalia
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> The alternator, AC comp, PS pump, airbox/afm, intake manifolds, injctors
> /fuel rails, everything above the case was toasted.
> But no to the point of total consumption, most of the burnt -melted
> components were still recognizeable, except for the airbox, which melted and
> the AFM, which melted also.
>
> The engimne turns over readily, and there is no evidence of head gasket
> leaks.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Robert
> 1982 Westfalia
>
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