Fire Suppressant

[chris86uk]

Hi everyone,

I have a Firetec automatic extinguisher in my 1977 1.6 bus which I fitted about 5 years ago. I noticed a little while ago that the pressure had dropped so I contacted the manufacturer to enquire about having the system serviced.

Unfortunately they were not much help, they informed me it would "probably still work" but to be guaranteed of its effectiveness, I'd really need to replace it...another £300!

I've seen these Elide FireBall Extinguishers online and I'm considering mounting one of these in the engine bay to back up the Firetec system as it's much cheaper, but I've read that dry powder can be a problem in the engine bay.

https://www.google.com/search?q=elide+fire+ball

Has anyone got any experience or advice with regards to these kinds of extinguishers?

Thanks

Chris
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1977 VW T2 - 1.6 Twin Port

[SGKent]

do you have companies that service extinguishers in England? If so call some. I've had numerous extinguishers checked and refilled over the years.
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"Most people don't know what they're doing, and a lot of them are really good at it." - George Carlin

[alman72]

what is the current system? CO2?

[jtauxe]

I bought a few of those Elide Fireballs, and intend to install them. They seem to be very effective, but are not readily available int he US.

I also got a BlazeCut system to add. Still need to install both of these.
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John
"Travelling in a fried-out Kombi, on a hippie trail, head full of zombie..." - Colin Hay and Ron Strykert
http://vw.tauxe.net
1969 Transporter, 1971 Westfalia, 1976, 1977, 1976, 1977, 1971, 1973, 1977 Westfalias,
1979 Champagne Sunroof, 1974 Westfalia Automatic, 1979 Transporter, 1972 Sportsmobile, 1973 Transporter Wild Westerner, 1974 Westfalia parts bus, 1975 Mexican single cab *FOR SALE*, 1978 Irish 4-door double cab RHD

[chris86uk]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'll see if I can find an independent company to service my existing system as suggested and in answer to the question, it is also powder.

I think I'll go for one of the Elide Fireballs regardless as any damage caused by the extinguisher would be less than losing the complete bus, but would any of these systems activating utterly ruin the engine?

Just so I know where I stand.

Chris

[EDIT] I've just seen that the FireBall's upper temperature stability temp is +85C (185F). Anyone know how how the engine bay gets in a T2 1.6?
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1977 VW T2 - 1.6 Twin Port

[Hoody]

My fire suppression system uses Halotron which leaves no residue whatsoever and is extremely effective.