TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:37 pm

Driving to work this morning the van stalled, I pulled over and tried to restart it. It almost started then I saw smoke and flames out of the vents. Opened the slider grabbed the fire extinguisher and initially got the fire out. Pushed it out of the pool of burning gas and the flames followed the van and consumed it. First trip on the freeway and managed to shut it down. Replaced the fuel lines over a month ago but didn't get to the line from the tank to the fuel pump, thats where I saw gas leaking as I was frantically removing anything that was close. She took fifteen minutes to burn. Great morning. This was the 'stolen' van if you all remember.

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:39 pm

so bummed! hopefully insurance will take care of it?

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:40 pm

RIP :(

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:40 pm

Holy Shit!!!! Man, I'm sorry about your luck with that van, total bummer (to say the least).

The photos brought a tear to my eyes (almost literally).

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:41 pm

Full Coverage. Thank God.

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:45 pm

#1...I'm sorry
#2...Noone seemed to be hurt, that's important
#3...It's hard to see a dub go down like that
#4...You're not the only one....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wjSa_6IVZs

time to get another one :wink:

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:47 pm

:(

Thu Jul 14, 2011 8:54 pm

Wow!

I am really glad you had insurance.

That's a really good reason for not making it to work on time

Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:01 pm

Sorry about your loss.

The time is now to start 'your' evaluation as to the worth of your vanagon. The insurance companies will want to low ball you. Get some Samba and Go Westy examples to 'share' with the insurance people.

Best of Luck

Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:11 pm

I feel sad ... very sad.. for you

good luck

Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:18 pm

Sorry man... :(
Glad your safe....

Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:20 pm

So the fuel line NOT over the engine caused this?? Damn!

Thu Jul 14, 2011 9:57 pm

Bro that is insane. I would have been crying. After all you have been through hopefully someone will give you a great deal on another van. Was it the gas spraying back towards the motor hitting the exhaust that ignited the fire? I am just shocked!

Fri Jul 15, 2011 12:46 am

Oh man so sorry! Looks like you were right under Cole/Overland on I 84.

Hope Boise hasn't lost a Vanagon driver(hope u get another van).

-Rob

Fri Jul 15, 2011 1:57 am

That van had a curse man. No one got hurt, perhaps it's better that way.

Still sorry for your loss :cry:

Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:02 am

sorry for your loss

Fri Jul 15, 2011 3:30 am

Wow! So sorry for your loss.

As a new air-cooled Westy owner who is putting faith in some fuel lines that the previous owner replaced last fall, you've effectively scared me (doesn't help that you van is an almost exact replica of mine, down to the colour).

I thought the most typical cause for a fire like this is the fuel hoses near the injectors, over the engine (which I know were replaced on mine). But this was a leak near the pump? Was is spraying out high pressure gas all over the rear of the vehicle, onto the exhaust/engine? Did you leave the key in, ignition on?

I'm not totally familiar with my van yet, but I seem to recall that the pump is a fair distance away from the engine and exhaust. I know that must have been a few frantic minutes, but if you can recall any more details you may save some future van fires.

Glad that you made it out safe.

Also, as mine is a 30yr old vehicle, I cannot even get theft or fire insurance until I get a full appraisal. Which I don't plan to do until I fix a few body/paint issues later on.

Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:13 am

That sucks, my condolences.

Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:18 am

Oh man, I'm so sorry about your vanagon and so glad you're okay. Hope the insurance deal works out and that you find a Westy, drama-free.

Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:30 am

RIP X's II :cry: