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jeridmark Samba Member
Joined: January 07, 2021 Posts: 84 Location: CA
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 9:19 am Post subject: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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? |
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busdaddy Samba Member
Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 51149 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 9:26 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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! |
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Wildthings Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50351
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:06 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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. |
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SGKent Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2007 Posts: 41031 Location: Citrus Heights CA (Near Sacramento)
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:01 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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 |
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Wildthings Samba Member
Joined: March 13, 2005 Posts: 50351
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:02 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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. |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16971 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:06 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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 |
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CanStan Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2005 Posts: 1038 Location: Calgary, AB
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 2:50 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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. |
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Starbucket Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 4025 Location: WA
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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 |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16971 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 6:02 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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Starbucket wrote: |
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 |
What the heck are you talking about? _________________ 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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CanStan Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2005 Posts: 1038 Location: Calgary, AB
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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aeromech wrote: |
Starbucket wrote: |
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 |
What the heck are you talking about? |
The only adjustment I’ve ever had to deal with on a Bay is moving the catch forward or back to make sure the lid stays closed nicely. Too far to the rear, and it’s loose and flops around. Too far forward, and the hook might not catch at all. Maybe if something is really bent / out of whack, your catch could be too high for the hook to release? I guess anything is possible but it’s not something I’ve encountered. |
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Starbucket Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 4025 Location: WA
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 7:50 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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If it's too low the hook wont clear and you cant get in to fix it. |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16971 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 8:01 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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 |
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igotta40 Samba Member
Joined: February 21, 2014 Posts: 113 Location: Texas
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:35 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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What, exactly, is the worry? |
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aeromech Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006 Posts: 16971 Location: San Diego, California
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Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:51 pm Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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igotta40 wrote: |
What, exactly, is the worry? |
The worry for me is that some no good piece of shit will open my engine lid and fuck with my shit. Yes, my battery cost me $336 last month. These other people who have an issue with a locking engine lid must live in a better part of the world than myself.
If I was driving and had indications of an engine fire it would take me roughly 30 seconds to pull over, remove my keys from the ignition, grab my extinguisher, and be unlocking the engine lid. In my opinion, I have a much greater threat from some asshole than I do from my gasoline fire.
In my life I’ve delt with both. I’ve come out a winner all four times. _________________ 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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Abscate Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014 Posts: 22668 Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 2:58 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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Quote: |
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. |
Slap the In the face for spreading lies. Then cut their tongue out.
Have a great day everyone ! _________________ .ssS! |
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rsbadura Samba Member
Joined: November 30, 2009 Posts: 656 Location: Berlin, Germany
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Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 4:21 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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jeridmark wrote: |
I am thinking of putting in an engine lock latch in to secure my engine from theft or pranks. |
So far a good idea.
Quote: |
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. |
the causes are usually a lack of maintenance of ancient fuel hoses and shoddy electrical systems -
and incorrect opening of the engine lid, so that more oxygen then accelerates the fire.
Far better are cover plates for the upper, lateral air inlets or flooding them with extinguishing foam for firefighting.
But while driving, my engine lid is always unlocked - for maintenance and control at stops. Takes seconds, with correct good locks and keys.
Never blocked the last 12 years after restoration...
regards, _________________ Rolf-Stephan Badura
1970 VW Karmann-Ghia Coupe
1979 VW Bus L to camper conversion
1982 Eriba Pan travel trailer
2017 VW CrossPolo
HAZET classic tools |
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Starbucket Samba Member
Joined: April 30, 2007 Posts: 4025 Location: WA
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Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:11 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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[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. |
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HoboBus Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2016 Posts: 347 Location: Massachusetts
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Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 8:27 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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. |
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NOVA Bus Samba Member
Joined: April 18, 2005 Posts: 517 Location: Herndon, VA
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Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:02 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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). |
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fes Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011 Posts: 999 Location: Prince Edward Island
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Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:19 am Post subject: Re: Engine Lid Lock thoughts? |
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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) |
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