Another DeLorean Fire!

[BladeBronson]

This just happened tonight. Based on geo data from this guy's other photos, this is likely in SoCal. Very sorry to see this happen.

https://instagram.com/p/BFdK4dGobA1/

[Ryan S.]

Because of new fuel lines? Installation error or product malfunction?
that is really too bad. Looking at that, I am seriously considering a fire suppression hose kit.

[dn010]

I am seriously considering a fire suppression hose kit.

Not sure if you saw the other fire thread but this is what I have zip tied to my engine cover:

http://www.amazon.com/BlazeCut-Automatic-Suppression-Automotive-Extinguisher/dp/B00D7M3E7O/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463404059&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=auto+fire+supression

Cheaper alternative to the actual auto fire suppression systems but between this and an EFI engine with fewer points of possible fuel leaks, I worry much less.

[David T]

Not sure if you saw the other fire thread but this is what I have zip tied to my engine cover:

http://www.amazon.com/BlazeCut-Automatic-Suppression-Automotive-Extinguisher/dp/B00D7M3E7O/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463404059&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=auto+fire+supression

Cheaper alternative to the actual auto fire suppression systems but between this and an EFI engine with fewer points of possible fuel leaks, I worry much less.

As bad as the old fuel lines may be the most usual cause is recent, previous work. That is why the insurance company will ask what and when was anything done and by who.

[Ryan S.]

Yup. That's the one from Amazon. Yes, I did see your post. Thanks DN.
I guess, you better know how to install those fuel lines. Especially those hardline connectors are PIA and leak. Always check your work before start driving.

[MML]

Has anyone ever done a complete list of what fuel-carrying hoses should be replaced, along with their part numbers? Something like that would be very useful.

[dn010]

I'd strongly recommend getting the original plastic fuel lines (they are at the fuel pump as well as the accumulator) replaced with the correctly rated fuel hose along with proper fuel hose clamps. Also make sure your fuel tank hoses are clamped down tightly otherwise when you go just a few more cents at the pump after the gas nozzle clicks, fuel will be dumping on the ground.

[content22207_2]

FWIW: K-Jet operates at very high fuel pressure -- 20-25 PSI higher than EFI engines. To give you an idea how high it is: K-Jet pressure is almost twice household water pressure. K-Jet also holds rest pressure even when the engine is turned off (if you've got a leaking -- more accurately "spraying" -- hose or fitting, there's no way to stop it from leaking/spraying until rest pressure is exhausted; simply turning the engine off won't do it).

Bill Robertson
#5939

[dn010]

Below is the fuel hose I use on all my vehicles, buy yourself related fuel hose clamps along with a crimp tool (I don't use the hose clamps that use a nut/screw, they never seem to secure properly for me) and you'll be set. This hose is 900psi burst rating...


http://www.amazon.com/HBD-Thermoid-Premium-Injection-FI-503/dp/B000C1BYFC?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage


Also to back up with Bill said above, my EFI engine regulates pressure at 36PSI compared to the stock engine that is upwards of what, 75+psi (I can't remember exactly but I know it's up there).

[gullwingD]

Sad to see another one gone.... guess eventually these fires could raise the resale rate too! Maybe even more than the new DeLorean ;)



This just happened tonight. Based on geo data from this guy's other photos, this is likely in SoCal. Very sorry to see this happen.

https://instagram.com/p/BFdK4dGobA1/

[MML]

I'd strongly recommend getting the original plastic fuel lines (they are at the fuel pump as well as the accumulator) replaced with the correctly rated fuel hose along with proper fuel hose clamps.

Dan, you wouldn't happen to know the part numbers for those? I might get an order in as soon as I can...

[MML]

I'm not knowledgeable enough to be sure, but would the contents of this set cover everything?

http://www.deloreanindustries.com/braided-stainless-fuel-injection-line-set/

[dn010]

Those lines you linked look like everything to replace the lines on the engine only.

The plastic replacement line number is #106979 through DMCH. The replacement is just a rubber hose, if you need to see where these hoses are they are all #4 in this link:http://store.delorean.com/c-274-2-1-0-tankhosespumpaccumulatoretc.aspx

While you're at it I'd also replace the rubber flex hose on the accumulator #106997, it is #36 on the above link. The accumulator lines are a PITA, if you haven't done anything with it I'd say plan a good portion of the day to accomplish just that.


I'm not knowledgeable enough to be sure, but would the contents of this set cover everything?

http://www.deloreanindustries.com/braided-stainless-fuel-injection-line-set/

[BladeBronson]

Looks like the towing company posted a photo. https://www.instagram.com/p/BFiJ20bJPsV

[DMC-81]

Looks like the towing company posted a photo. https://www.instagram.com/p/BFiJ20bJPsV

I see he posted it together with a cheesy BTTF reference. I don't think that is appropriate in this unfortunate circumstance. :(

Condolences to the owner.

Thanks for sharing. As mentioned above, do we know the details of the fuel line work?

[skill]

Indeed. Another sad post. I asked on instagram if the owner had installed new fuel lines himself and where he got them from or what? How many Deloreans burned down this year... is that two (2) now? At the current accident burn down rate... our cars will sadly be extinct in no time:(

[dn010]

Not sure if you saw the other fire thread but this is what I have zip tied to my engine cover:

http://www.amazon.com/BlazeCut-Automatic-Suppression-Automotive-Extinguisher/dp/B00D7M3E7O/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463404059&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=auto+fire+supression

Cheaper alternative to the actual auto fire suppression systems but between this and an EFI engine with fewer points of possible fuel leaks, I worry much less.

In case anyone is interested in seeing what it looks like installed:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=42040&d=1463611654

[content22207_2]

Just received an eMail inquiry about car fires (relative to carburetion).

There appears to be a lot of misinformation about vehicle fires. Real world car fires are nothing like Hollywood movie car fires. 99.99787% of the time the vehicle does not explode. Batteries and tires explode, but not the vehicle itself.

YouTube is full of every vehicle imaginable burning (including electric cars). This clip allows you to watch a pickup burn for nearly 10 minutes (driver side tire explodes at 3:40, personally I don't think the explosion at :44 is the bumpers):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czyaZmYz9FQ

Notice how calmly the fire fighters approach the truck to put it out. It isn't because the fire fighters are ignorant or stupid -- they just know how real world car fires work.

By the time the fire department gets there it's too late to save your car. You need to carry an extinguisher because you are there long before the fire department.

I recommend watching some vehicle fires on YouTube so if something similar happens you will know what you are really dealing with rather than Hollywood mythology.

Bill Robertson
#5939

[jamesrguk]

In case anyone is interested in seeing what it looks like installed:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=42040&d=1463611654

I've always been a little sceptical of those fire suppressor systems, probably without cause.

Indeed I've seen one in action, all be it not in a car, but I would worry that whilst it may smother the fire initially there is still a huge amount of heat in the engine bay, is there not a chance that I could flare back up after the suppressor kit is out of gas?

James

[BladeBronson]

And another one. :(

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvkiqiAUoy

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=46028

[mr_maxime]

After my string of bad luck with cars in August I bought a kiddie fire extinguisher last week.

[81dmc]

:eek1:


I have to admit, this whole fire thing is starting to scare the shit out of me.

[Nicholas R]

Ok, no more joking around, finally just bought 2 of the silver Kidde Automobile Fire Extinguishers. This just isn't worth risking.

[OverlandMan]

And another one. :(

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvkiqiAUoy

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=46028

Wow! That's terrible. Any further details about this?

[Morpheus]

Ok, no more joking around, finally just bought 2 of the silver Kidde Automobile Fire Extinguishers. This just isn't worth risking.

I got one the last time this thread popped up. I haven't found an actual place to mount it yet, for now it's on the shelf right behind the driver's seat.

[SamHill]

And another one. :(

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvkiqiAUoy

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=46028

Looks like it was deleted from the instagram account. Whose account and can you invite them here for details?

[Ryan King]

Looks like it was deleted from the instagram account. Whose account and can you invite them here for details?

I don't know...I have an itching suspicion its Photoshopped.

[BladeBronson]

Oh, that's strange. The photo was posted yesterday at this location: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvkiqiAUoy/ I seem to remember that the user was a leather craftsman in LA and he said that this was his father's car.

[DMCMW Dave]

As bad as the old fuel lines may be the most usual cause is recent, previous work. That is why the insurance company will ask what and when was anything done and by who.

Yep - did you notice the comment in the post that he had just replaced the fuel lines?

[Jonathan]

Yep - did you notice the comment in the post that he had just replaced the fuel lines?

Out of curiosity, what's a typical stance from an insurance company on a car that is damaged because of work done by the owner that likely caused the problem? I would still expect the car to be covered, wouldn't you? I mean, unless there was some willful intent to do a poor job and purposely see the thing start on fire, being a bad home mechanic doesn't make the claim invalid, does it?

There'd be other examples I suppose too, whether it was a wheel that came off or bad brakes from poor work and then seeing the car crash into something. Can of worms with all of this? Seems most of the owners of classic cars, definitely not just DeLoreans, do their own work and I can't imagine everyone is "on their own" the minute they choose to do a job on the car themselves instead of taking it to a shop. Have you seen some of the dopes that work in typical shops? (not DMC franchises of course!)

...on a similar note with the "previous work" though, I don't think seeing "another DeLorean fire" is cause for panic or for it to scare the shit out of you. Be careful in the work you do on your car, but don't all of a sudden start to fear driving your car because of what you see or read online. That's bordering on too much news watching and fear mongering. I don't fear going golfing in Florida because someone got eaten by an alligator and it made the news. Be smart and diligent about it, but don't go around afraid all the time.

[Nate88]

I completely agree that we shouldn't let this scare us into not enjoying our cars.

Having said that it does make me nervous since I'm running on the original fuel lines. I plan on replacing them and doing the work myself (with my dad's help since he's a retired mechanic) to keep cost down, but then you see something like this where the guy was replacing or had replaced his fuel lines and then boom, flames.

Is replacing the fuel lines something that can be done by self, or should I just bite the bullet and take it to a shop for piece of mind?

Also, what about the fuel lines going to the tank outside of the engine bay, should they be replaced?

[Dangermouse]

My first car fire was due to my FIL replacing a fuel line on his DD and clearly not doing a great job with that :(

[Morpheus]

I completely agree that we shouldn't let this scare us into not enjoying our cars.

Having said that it does make me nervous since I'm running on the original fuel lines. I plan on replacing them and doing the work myself (with my dad's help since he's a retired mechanic) to keep cost down, but then you see something like this where the guy was replacing or had replaced his fuel lines and then boom, flames.

Is replacing the fuel lines something that can be done by self, or should I just bite the bullet and take it to a shop for piece of mind?

Also, what about the fuel lines going to the tank outside of the engine bay, should they be replaced?

Any 35 year old rubber encased lines are long past their intended service life. This is a job that is easily done by someone with a modicum of ability to turn a wrench. The key is to use new copper washers whenever you open up the fuel line connections. I'm sure that some of these recent fires were caused by someone either re-using copper washers or not torquing the hollow bolts to the proper spec. They're called crush washers for a reason, and they are designed to only be used once. DMCH has them for .56 each, and you need 2 per connection:
http://store.delorean.com/p-6601-sealing-washer.aspx

If you are doing all the hoses, there are potentially 2 other sizes of washer you will need as well. This diagram should help:
http://store.delorean.com/c-335-2-2-0-fuel-injection-system.aspx

You can, of course find them at other vendors in a "kit" form. Alternately, you can buy them in bulk from McMaster.

[Dangermouse]

And another one. :(

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJvkiqiAUoy

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=46028

I wonder if the above is this car at copart in Van Nuys

https://carsfromwest.com/en/auction/lot/34831956

https://cs.copart.com/v1/AUTH_svc.pdoc00001/PIX23/605454b0-cbe0-4aa3-86fc-617984e906e0.JPG


https://cs.copart.com/v1/AUTH_svc.pdoc00001/PIX23/5fd7b30a-f67f-41cb-9d8e-9f8fec4ccf29.JPG

16049 was owned by a DML'er in LA