Pick up you old dry-chem and if it feels like theres a solid, hard lump
stuck on the bottom, then it's trash.  Get a new halon.....

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Loren Busch" <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 12:51 AM
Subject: Re: Westy OEM fire extinguisher

> RE: Fire Extinguishers
> I'm not an expert and there probably are are others on this list that are.
> But my understanding is that the problem (not counting the mess) with the
> powder type units is that they pack down over time.  IIRC, where such
> extinguishers are used in commercial buildings or shops there is a
> requirement that they be picked up and shaken periodically or some such
> routine.  I've always figured the riding around in a vehicle would
> probably
> settle and compact the powder.  And I do recall someone on one of the VW
> list reporting a very disappointing result when they tried to use their
> original extinguisher.   I replaced mine with a Halon unit that fits in
> the
> same area plus I have a small hand sized unit that I keep sitting on the
> sink for instant access in case of a fire on the stove.  Halon is still
> available but expensive as hell, just check your local phone book for a
> place near you that sells such things.
>