Bus Fires - Possible Sources?

cmonSTART · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:00 pm Post subject: Bus Fires - Possible Sources?

Ok folks, I am new to the VW world but was vaguely familiar with the fire issue on the VW air cooled stuff. My 78 FI bus has had the fuel lines somewhat recently replaced, though I suppose I am not sure when or if ALL of them were.

This said, what/where are the immediate causes of these fires? Fuel leaks I assume from degraded lines, but are there any other sources I should be aware of?

All these threads about Buses catching on fire just has me a bit paranoid now. I might go and replace the fuel lines again with brand new hose - it's only a couple bucks from the parts store after all..

TheFonz · Samba Member Joined: July 04, 2009 Posts: 157 Location: NJ

There is a ton of info on the forums about this. your thread will probably be shut down by the Samba gods so peruse these threads. Typically fuel lines are to blame for the fires-I'm also terrified of it and the resounding solution is to stock up on fire extinguishers Wink

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=266181&highlight=fire

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?search..._chars=200
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aeromech · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 8:23 pm Post subject:

This was a 1978 FI bus fire

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

It was put out pretty fast because the owner had a fire extinguisher. This was the cause. A metal fuel line that chaffed.

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Wildthings · Samba Member Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50337

You have a fuel tank located so that it can and will gravity feed an engine fire. There is also nothing on a fuel injected rig to prevent reverse flow through the return line should the hose from the regulator to tank burn through. Add the general shoddiness of repairs to a 35 year old vehicle and you have a disaster waiting to happen.

Vest Failure · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 2:26 am Post subject:

Also, fit an automatic extinguisher in the engine bay.

my59 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:33 am Post subject:

Clamps on the fuel line- FI clamps are different and do not bite into fuel line.
Quality of the fuel line- FI rated and ethanol rated. That pump has to put out a minimum 28 psi, and typically more, so think about the pressure rating when shopping.
Size of fuel line- clamp a larger hose maybe don't get the tightest seal or force undersized hose over bulb on hard line and cause added stress

Do not run the engine without the dip stick. Oil fumes and sparks from alternator play really well with foam rubber engine seal. Blobs of burning foam being sucked into fan is a wild sight.

Big re-chargeable extinguisher behind the drivers seat set up so you can grab it one handed ('cause you will be moving fast) when you need it. As has been said about guns, better to have it and not need it than not to have it and need it. Keep another in the garage handy when you are working on the bus. Last resort is making sure the garden hose actually reaches the garage.

Change the fuel lines once a year and have the extinguisher(s) recharged on the same schedule.
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timvw7476 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 1:03 pm Post subject: Bus Fires - Possible Sources?

Seeing as you are driving a F.I. model, common point of origination, from
what I have seen, is the feed line to the 5th injector (cold start valve)
spraying fuel at the distributor (spark source). I believe people are
using wrong clamps and drawing said clamp down way too tight at
that fuel delivery site. Then WHOOSH. (no flame emoticon)
(only site that needs flame emoticon?)

cmonSTART · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 5:07 pm Post subject:

Great info, thanks guys!

Thanks especially for those pictures of the chaffed hard line. I'll check those out!

aeromech · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 5:23 pm Post subject:

You're welcome
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound


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