Engine Lid Lock thoughts?

[jeridmark]

I am thinking of putting in an engine lock latch in to secure my engine from theft or pranks. Someone mentioned that having a locked engine compartment has caused many buses to burn because you can't get in to put out the fire. is this true and should be a concern?

[busdaddy]

Good maintenance prevents fires, but if you are going to lay awake at night over it hinge the license plate and cut an access port behind it.
_________________
Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.

Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

Слава Україні!

[Wildthings]

Knock on wood, but I have never had an engine fire in nearly 35 years of owning Transporters. Yes it a real concern, but as BD mentions prevention needs to be done first and foremost. By the time you can react to an engine fire its likely too late to put it out anyway, the high fuel tank design is just extremely dangerous from the get go. Consider adding a marine anti siphon valve or one of the newer designs that replace them, or add an electric fuel cutoff.

[SGKent]

in a fire there are always the side vents. One does not leave the engine compartment locked except when you leave the car somewhere. If you park it in you garage, run to the beach, you can lock it at the beach then unlock it before you leave. If my bus catches fire it will probably be a total loss. Unless you have worked on a burn before you have no idea how much work is involved in repairing it.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Wildthings]

You could probably figure out how to install a hidden release using an electric solenoid. Push a button on the seat pedestal and the latch releases and the lid opens normally.

[aeromech]

Just get ahold of Gabe and buy a lock that’s keyed to match the rest of your bus. Bus fires aren’t the end of the world. Mine caught one time. I fixed it and another. The important thing is to have a fresh extinguisher available
_________________
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

[CanStan]

I’ve always had locks on my VW’s. When I’m parked at home or another safer place, I leave it unlocked. If I’m in an sort of questionable area, I’ll lock it up. But I always make sure to unlock it before I drive off, just in case.

[Starbucket]

Wait until you drop the motor to put a lock in because if your alignment is off it won't open and now you will really be screwed

[aeromech]

[CanStan]

[Starbucket]

If it's too low the hook wont clear and you cant get in to fix it.

[aeromech]

Seems to me that this could be an issue whether it locks or not
_________________
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

[igotta40]

What, exactly, is the worry?

[aeromech]

[Abscate]

[rsbadura]

[Starbucket]

[quote="aeromech"]Seems to me that this could be an issue whether it locks or not


[quote]That is why I say wait until the motor is out so you can loosen the lock and readjust it.

[HoboBus]

If you want the lock, get the lock.

Unlock it every time just before you get in the bus to drive it.

Lock it back up after you get out, and the engine is stopped, and you've confirmed it's not on fire.

Problem solved.

I don't have a lid lock, but I do have a battery shutoff switch with removable key inside the engine compartment.

If fire is a major concern for you, do your PM and fuel line replacements often, and maybe get one of those Blazecut hose things.

Good luck,
Hobo
_________________
Salt air it ain't thin, it'll stick right to your skin,
it'll make you feel fine. Makes you feel fine.
And I wanna be there. -- Jimmy Buffett

Just a beach-oriented camping Hobo with a bus.

[NOVA Bus]

I found an old locking latch at a junkyard. It was missing the key, my local locksmith cut a set very easy and cheap. If you can locate one it's a recommended upgrade, as nobody can screw with your engine while parked short or longtime. Someone mentioned anti theft measures...unplug starter relay and lock the lid, good luck someone figuring it out unless they know buses.

For locked lid fire suppression I would recommend investing in a BlazeCut system = https://www.blazecutusa.com/pages/videos
_________________
********************************
1977 Transporter / Weekender
- GE engine, L-Jetronic w/ hyd. lifters
- Brown Beige plaid P27 Interior (ED)
http:/[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com/mplate-29638.png]Click to view image
Camper Interior donor:
[/URL]/www.vw-mplate.com/mcode.php?lang=EN&id=721 (M-Code for interior).

[fes]

You could try one of these.. a sanctioned VW novelty item maybe?
_________________
'68 Campmobile-Pedro
'15 Golf-Stella Blau
'56 Oval-The Turd (for now)