>This is a good point, and it also applies to magnesium and aluminum  wheels.
>All of the opposed 4 cylinder engines are a magnesium alloy, both air and
>water cooled.  If enough heat has built up so that the engine case or heads
>are burning, this is a substantial fire, and should be left to the
>professionals.  Magnesium contains its own oxygen, so once it gets started it

Actually, magnesium is an element. It contains no oxygen. However, it burns
so hotly that it disassociates oxygen from the water that's sprayed on.

Finally, not all vw 4 cylinder engines are magnesium. Most type IV's and
all waterboxers are an aluminum alloy.

Joshua Van Tol -- jjvantol@uswest.net