Hi All,

A couple of weeks ago I posted a message about my son's 80 Westy's engine
catching fire. Fortunately no one was hurt and the fire was put out before
there was major structural damage to the van. At the time it looked like I
would have to replace some wires, air cleaner, hoses, distributor,
etc....about a few day's work.

What bothered me was this was a new engine and all of the fuel lines were
replaced when the engine was put in, so I couldn't understand what caused
the engine to catch fire.

This morning I started the task of cleaning off the fire extinguisher
powder, and some of the charred bits from the engine. As I pulled away some
of the debris from the manifold, I found the problem!

I guess he ran the engine low on oil (IDIOT!!) and blew a rod. The rod went
through the top of the case and severed the fuel line at the "T" piece. And
voila!! Engine Flambe!

So I'm not sure what's going to happen to his Westy at this point...its now
his project. The body and interior are in good shape for an 80...he has a
parts van...but the question is now going to be a replacement engine.

He's a college student who spent a big chunk of his savings on a new engine
for the van, so he's low on funds. Does anyone have a good used A/C engine,
cheap?

Ric