Engine/Fuel Fires..............
Inquiring minds want to know about FreeBird's fire.

Yes, usually this type of fire is fatal. This fire happened down in Salt
Lake City with the PO. He and his wife were driving in town when the engine
stalled. He then popped the clutch to get it started again when he noticed
smoke coming out the back of the Westy through the air vents. He was not
sure why he was looking towards the back at the time. When he noticed it, he
stopped the Westy, grabbed the fire extinguisher, opened the rear hatch (it
was unlocked), pulled the engine cover off and threw it, started spraying
the engine till it went out. The fire was localized and torched the parts
that I have mentioned in my previous post. He was very lucky and he knows
it. They had NO idea about the fuel lines. The fuel lines were original! The
fire started at the cold start valve where the fuel lines meet. Gas was
leaking from this point.

With the help of a Utah listmember, Gary Shea, I was able to obtain this
Westy, transport back to Montana, and start the repairs. It comes from San
Diego and spent two years in Utah and has been in the same family since new.
It only has 64,000 miles on it and the interior is in excellent shape
including the canvas! It was also repainted (same original color--white) 4
new tires (all the wrong ones) new battery and clutch slave cylinder. They
took good care of it (with exception to the fire).

Did anyone remember to change their fuel lines lately? All one has to do is
look in the archives for everything they ever wanted to know about this
subject. Any new Vanagon owners/listmembers might want to do a serious
search on this topic.

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Bill
'85 GL [*Magic*Bus*]
'82 Westy [FreeBird] ...cause I'm as free as a bird now...
Big Sky Country                                 ---Ronnie Van Zant
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