Much of the main harness goes through that box. There are some round wiring
connectors for the taillights and stuff. There is an alternator feed wire in
there. And some stuff like the ignition coil power and the crankcase vent
heater is connected in there. I probably should be moved since that engine
makes it difficult to service.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Dick Wong
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 2:46 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Fire!

Since I'm a noob on Vanagons and only a little familiar with the VW I5
engine, Can someone tell me what was that black box on the driver side
forward wall?  (the one with the silver label)

I am thinking of patching/jumpering up all the wiring and start with cheap
hoses to see if the engine will run, check compression and the like.  If the
mechanical condition of the engine checks out, I'll look into real part
replacement.

Thanks.

-Dick-

-----Original Message-----
From: JRodgers [mailto:jrodgers113@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, December 22, 2012 9:50 PM
To: Dick Wong
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Fire!

I would say it salvageable, but that engine and everything in the engine bay
is toast!

John

On 12/22/2012 9:34 PM, Dick Wong wrote:
> Added some more pictures today.
>
>
>
> <https://plus.google.com/photos/109269280604562976036/albums/582316564
> 680081
> 9169?authkey=CKyk1tixnrXNDw>
>
>
>
>
>
> -Dick Wong-
> 78 Scirocco
> Original Owner
> 87 Syncro 2.5 (slightly crispy)
>
> Third Owner
>
> 12 Golf TDI
>
> Original Co-Owner
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Dick Wong [mailto:sailingfc@dslextreme.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 7:18 PM
> To: 'vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM'
> Subject: RE: Fire!
>
>
>
> Here are some pictures.  Both links are to the same site.
>
>
>
> Fire pictures.
> <https://plus.google.com/photos/109269280604562976036/albums/582316564
> 680081
> 9169?authkey=CKyk1tixnrXNDw>
>
>
>
> https://plus.google.com/photos/109269280604562976036/albums/5823165646
> 800819
> 169?authkey=CKyk1tixnrXNDw
>
>
>
> -Dick Wong-
> 78 Scirocco
> Original Owner
> 87 Syncro 2.5
>
> Third Owner
>
> 12 Golf TDI
>
> Original Co-Owner
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dick Wong [mailto:sailingfc@dslextreme.com]
> Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 3:37 PM
> To: 'vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM'
> Subject: Fire!
>
>
>
> I'm okay.
>
>
>
> Early November I bought my first Vanagon.  1987 GL Syncro with a
> Audi/VW 2.5L I5 conversion.
>
>
>
> Today I had an engine fire.
>
>
>
> Coming to a stop on a freeway off ramp the clutch pedal goes to the
> floor without disengaging.  Step on it again and same results.  Van is
> lurching forward because the clutch won't release.  Hitting the brake
> slowed it but I can feel the engine pushing forward. I shut off the
> ignition to bring it to a stop.  I look in my mirrors and see smoke
> coming from the rear air intakes.  I hop out in the middle of the road
> and run to the back hoping it might only be steam.  No luck, it's
> stinky
smoke and starting to turn black.
> I get my cell phone and dial 911.  I stand there and watch flames
> starting to come from the bottom of the engine.  More black smoke.  I
> think to myself, I am going to watch my "new" Syncro burn to the
> ground.  All of a sudden there is a loud hiss and the smoke turns to
> white steam and water is streaming from the engine.  The coolant tank
> melted and sprayed coolant on to the fire and put it out.  Shortly
> after an highway patrol pull up.  A few minutes later the fire truck
arrives.
>
>
>
> Not a nice day.
>
>
>
> My theory is:  Clutch hose or the slave had a catastrophic failure and
> when I stepped on the clutch, the brake fluid sprayed out on to the
> exhaust piping (exhaust runs forward on the driver side).  The fluid
> flashed and started burning.
>
>
>
> It's sitting in my driveway now.  I'll start looking at the damages
> another day.  I'm too depressed to do anything now.  Fireman said that
> it might be a total loss.
>
>
>
> -Dick Wong-
>
> 78 Scirocco
>
> Original Owner
>
> 87 Syncro 2.5
>
> Third Owner
>
> 12 Golf TDI
>
> Original Co-Owner
>
-----
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