Possible DeLorean fire off of freeway in Goodyear, AZ? Anyone have any news??

[Jeffu]

Just now got a text from my Father-In-Law that just arrived in Goodyear, AZ. He said he just saw the fire department just extinguish a DeLorean that was on fire. He said it was near Interstate 10 and exit 129. Anyone know who this might be? Makes me sad to even post this.... Since he is a retired fire chief and he is very familiar with my car I have to assume it's credible intel. Still hoping he might be wrong...

[jawn101]

Terrible news. If true, I hope the driver/passenger were OK, and that the car is salvageable...

[Jeffu]

yeah, it's horrible news! My Father-In-Law said he had just left the motel and ran across the street to a store when he saw it. He left his phone back in the room and therefore has no photos. Said it was burnt pretty bad. Makes me sad. I was driving a friends D in a parade this last Fall when our group had just exited the parade route and the car caught fire. We got out just fine, but the car was in bad shape. He purchased it back from the insurance company and is now in the process of restoring it. Estimated @ $18K parts, $18K labor...needless to say the ins company called it a total.

[Tamir A.]

With all this discussion about fires and DeLoreans, what is the best extinguisher to buy and have in the car or trunk ready to go in case this happens? I know there are all different types of fire extinguishers, etc, so hoping to get some good advice and be protected.

[DMCMW Dave]

With all this discussion about fires and DeLoreans, what is the best extinguisher to buy and have in the car or trunk ready to go in case this happens? I know there are all different types of fire extinguishers, etc, so hoping to get some good advice and be protected.

If you can find/afford one, Halon is the way to go. Very expensive but they put out the fire with no collateral damage. I still see them for sale but like Freon they don't make the gas any more. (Halon is a CFC)

Otherwise you are pretty well limited to ClassABC Dry chemical, which really make a mess of a car. Hopefully less of a mess than the fire but sometimes I wonder.

[Tamir A.]

Thanks Dave, sounds like the right one to me, I'll be picking this up. I think I'd freak out if I watched my car burn with no way to try and stop it, so better be safe than sorry. And if this Halon extinguisher doesn't muck up the situation more than a conventional extinguisher, than it sounds like the extra $$ is worth it.

Do you know how long the shelf life is for these? I thought I remember conventional extinguishers are only good for a year or two, but I'd assume since this Halon one resembles freon like characteristics that it wouldn't have an expiration date on its shelf life, correct? And I see Halotron I as an alternative, that describes no mess capabilities as well, is that just as good as the original Halon?

T.

[David T]

Keep the fire extinguisher close enough that you can reach it in the passenger compartment. If you have a fire you may not be able to get to the trunk fast enough or find it quickly. They also sell small ones about the size of a soda can. Better than nothing if you can use it quickly. Lotus's also burn up but since they are all fiberglass they make a much bigger mess. Yes, some types of fire extinguishers make a big mess. But if you can put the fire out quickly the mess can be cleaned up. Fire damage is a lot harder and more expensive to fix.
David Teitelbaum

[DMCMW Dave]

Do you know how long the shelf life is for these? I thought I remember conventional extinguishers are only good for a year or two, but I'd assume since this Halon one resembles freon like characteristics that it wouldn't have an expiration date on its shelf life, correct? And I see Halotron I as an alternative, that describes no mess capabilities as well, is that just as good as the original Halon?

T.

Sorry, I can't help with the alternatives. I carry a dry chem extinguisher in my car next to the passenger seat.

[pezzonovante88]

I have an extinguisher tucked beside the passenger seat and the door sill. Does not move around or get in the way at all, in any way.

[AirmanPika]

I keep one behind my driver's seat. Tucks in nicely with how my seat is positioned. Having set fire to my engine once (oops, no serious damage but a few rubber hoses) I can say this was the best possible position for quick access IMO. But yea...what a friggin mess to clean out.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Do you know how long the shelf life is for these? I thought I remember conventional extinguishers are only good for a year or two, but I'd assume since this Halon one resembles freon like characteristics that it wouldn't have an expiration date on its shelf life, correct? And I see Halotron I as an alternative, that describes no mess capabilities as well, is that just as good as the original Halon?

T.

No expiration dates on any dry chemical extinguisher I have seen. You just check the pressure gauge "Monthly" and examine the nozzle for obstructions (mud dabbers).

[dmc]

Dry chemical extinguishers over time will clump and pack. You should invert and smack with a rubber mallet to loosen it up. You can tell by shaking them. If you try using one that has packed together no media comes out.

[DeLorean]

Dry chemical extinguishers over time will clump and pack. You should invert and smack with a rubber mallet to loosen it up. You can tell by shaking them. If you try using one that has packed together no media comes out.

I recently shot one off that was a factory original Mercedes unit, in an 80 Mercedes 280SE. Had the MB logo and the passenger seat lower seat mount. Dry chemical unit. I figured there was no way it wad going to work, as it was pretty likely as old as the car... gauge still was reading good, and good it was. When fired it performed just as a brand new one would have.

[SS Spoiler]

I ask the guy who services our apt. fire equipment if he had any halon exting. He did but he can't sell them anymore [EPA? environment thing?] He gave me a nice ten pounder for my car. Maybe it was just a MN. thing.

[delorean4ever]

I had to get EPA Section 609 Certification to buy R-12 refrigerant because it's a CFC, might be a similar thing?

[jawn101]

I had to get EPA Section 609 Certification to buy R-12 refrigerant because it's a CFC, might be a similar thing?

It's somewhat more extreme than even that. Details for those who are truly interested can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/fire/qa.html

[ramblinmike]

Did anyone ever figure out if a car dud catch fire?

[Notifier]

Some information on maintaining fire extinguishers...

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly by the owner - make sure it is there, not obstructed and easy to get to, check the pressure gauge or indicator, check for physical damage, check the discharge nozzle for obstructions, and verify the safety seal is intact. Simply put you want to make sure it is there and ready to use.

Fire extinguishers or their agents don't really "expire" (with one exception*). A typical dry chemical (ABC) extinguisher should have an internal inspection preformed 6 years after the date of manufacture and in 6 year intervals after that. 12 years after the date of manufacture (and 12 year intervals after that) the extinguisher should have a hydrostatic pressure test. The 6 year internal inspection can be done the same time as the hydrostatic test. So the service schedule for a fire extinguisher purchased today should be:
2012 - Manufactured
2018 - 6 year internal inspection
2024 - Hydrostatic test
2030 - 6 year internal inspection
2036 - Hydrostatic test

The same service schedule above applies to Halon extinguishers. Carbon Dioxide, wet chemical, and water type will have a different service schedule.

*There is one exception to having a fire extinguisher serviced. A "disposable" type of extinguisher. Typically bought at the hardware store, it will specify on the label that the extinguisher is non-refillable and must be disposed of after any use. These cannot be serviced and are good for 12 years after the date of manufacture. After the 12th year, dispose of the extinguisher and go buy a new one. So if you have any disposable fire extinguishers around your house with a date of 2000 or before, take them out of service and replace.

Personally, I have two fire extinguishers in my DeLorean. My primary is a 3lb Halon BC extinguisher that I have placed directly behind the drivers seat on the parcel shelf. I have not figured out a good way to mount it, but like where it is. My backup is a 2 1/2lb Dry Chem ABC extinguisher I keep in the luggage compartment. I like the Halon because if I need to use it, it will not leave a mess. This model also has a hose, nice if I have a fire in a hard to reach place like behind the dash. It does have it's limitations in that it is not rated for a class A fire (ordinary combustibles) but is rated for flammable liquids and live electrical components. But that's why I have my "backup". I figure I can knock down the fire with the Halon which will give me time to get the Dry Chem out and ready if the fire reignites.

Keep in mind Halon extinguishers of this small size are not rated for typical "Class A" fires such as wood, paper, plastics.

12435

[DMCMW Dave]

I keep one behind my driver's seat. Tucks in nicely with how my seat is positioned. .

This only works if you are short.

tall guy
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V

[Jeffu]

Did anyone ever figure out if a car dud catch fire?

Well, I was hoping someone might have been able to tell us by now? That was the whole reason I posted this. Believe me I would LOVE to hear it was not a DeLorean....

[DMCMW Dave]

The other thing to worry about with fire extinquishers in cars - it is MUCH more likely that you will hit something, or be hit, than you are to set your car on fire.

An unrestrained fire extinguisher flying around the inside of your car is not something you want hitting you in the head.

[Rich]

On beyond Halon:

Those seeking an non-messy, non-Halon fire extinguisher may consider HalGuard or Halotron as contemporary solutions. Said to be no-residue and as effective as Halon was.

Kidde and H3R both make such extinguishers now. Red or chrome from both. H3R blurb here:


"Combining the clean properties of HalGuard and a high gloss chrome finish, make this fire extinguisher a show car favorite. The fire extinguisher creates no thermal shock to electronics and there is no mess or damage to vehicle or surfaces. Liquefied gas extinguishes hard-to-reach fires and does not impair operator's vision."

Looks like Kidde uses Halotron and H3R uses HalGuard. Try Griot's Garage or Amazon.

$$$

[vwdmc16]

I always carry this ABC bottle which I painted in wrinkle black to make it look better, Its bolted down with a steel bracket so its not going anywhere.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/vwdmc16/dmc/IMG_0625.jpg

[Dangermouse]

Bolted to the LFF? Now that would be convenient.

J/k

[jawn101]

Bolted to the LFF? Now that would be convenient.

J/k

Hahahaha

[Kenny_Z]

This reminds me, I need to pick up a fire extinguisher for my new project. I keep one in every older car I own. I probably should put one in all of my cars.

I haven't heard or seen anything around the net about a recent D fire but I will keep my eyes open.

[Tamir A.]

This looks really cool. How did you do this? Start with red bottle and then template out the DMC letters using tape or something?

T.


I always carry this ABC bottle which I painted in wrinkle black to make it look better, Its bolted down with a steel bracket so its not going anywhere.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c396/vwdmc16/dmc/IMG_0625.jpg

[vwdmc16]

Yes its a $20 extinguisher and after removing the label and scuffing the bottle's paint I made rough stencil out of painter's tape into the DMC logo, a vinyl printed stencil would have been better, Then I applied 3 heavy coats of VHT wrinkle black and let it dry over night. In hindsight I would had painted the bottle silver, then the dmc stencil then the black so the DMC would stand out in a silver rather than red.

[stevedmc]

So what is the most common cause of engine fires?

[82DMC12]

I would imagine loose banjo bolts after someone sloppily worked on the fuel system, followed by burst inner jacket on the FI hoses. I've seen fuel leaks that are smaller diameter than a hair spraying out of a bad fitting at a fuel filter.... Right onto the exhaust.

Andy

[stevedmc]

I would imagine loose banjo bolts after someone sloppily worked on the fuel system, followed by burst inner jacket on the FI hoses. I've seen fuel leaks that are smaller diameter than a hair spraying out of a bad fitting at a fuel filter.... Right onto the exhaust.

Andy

So does this mean the high pressure causes the fuel to spray out from the fittings?

[Michael]

So does this mean the high pressure causes the fuel to spray out from the loose or defective fittings?

Fixed.

[82DMC12]

Originally Posted by 82DMC12 (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?p=68947)<br />
I would imagine loose banjo bolts after someone sloppily worked on the fuel system, followed by burst inner jacket on the FI hoses. I've seen fuel leaks that are smaller diameter than a hair spraying out of a bad fitting at a fuel filter.... Right onto the exhaust. <br />
<br />
Andy<br />
<br />
So does this mean the high pressure causes the fuel to spray out from the fittings?

Yes, very similar to a loose hose clamp on the fuel supply line to a carb.

Andy

[SamHill]

Yes, very similar to a loose hose clamp on the fuel supply line to a carb.

Andy

I have decided to relocate my fuel filter under the left rear area where it cannot be seen... for the sake of originality.

[AirmanPika]

This was how I set fire to my delorean. Make sure you tighten down all banjo bolts. I missed one once after cleaning out my VOD. It didn't catch fire on the first try when it actually sprayed gas all over my engine bay....but letting it sit an hour to evaporate wasn't enough I guess and POOF FLAMES...a couple pointless attempts to blow out fire with mouth...then grab extinguisher and put out fire while making a powdery mess of everything.

[stevedmc]

Yes, very similar to a loose hose clamp on the fuel supply line to a carb.

Andy

I have a grand total of 3 hose clamps (fuel related) in my engine bay including the clamps on my fuel filter. Not to mention my hose is only a few years old.

Correct my if I'm wrong but a new hose and 3 clamps is a lot safer than 30 year old lines with over a dozen different places to leak a high pressure mist.

[David T]

The hoses are not so much the problem as are the fittings. If you reuse the copper sealing washers, a speck of dirt gets in, you scratch the sealing surface, forget or drop a washer, overtighten a banjo bolt and break it, you can have leaks. The smaller the leak the more dangerous, it will immediately vaporize into an invisible stream because of the high pressure. The hoses can leak if they were abused, ie, sharply bent during removal, or otherwise kinked. The original hoses seem to be pretty durable. Most leaks occur soon after any work done on the fuel system because someone did something wrong. You should not smell any gas when the motor is running. If you do you need to figure out why quickly. Never try to stop a leak by over-tightening a banjo bolt. It will break. Take the connection apart and find the problem.
David Teitelbaum

[SProfita]

steel braided fuel line with high performance fitting could help to be some extra insurance, as well.

[DeLorean]

The hoses are not so much the problem as are the fittings. If you reuse the copper sealing washers, a speck of dirt gets in, you scratch the sealing surface, forget or drop a washer, overtighten a banjo bolt and break it, you can have leaks. The smaller the leak the more dangerous, it will immediately vaporize into an invisible stream because of the high pressure. The hoses can leak if they were abused, ie, sharply bent during removal, or otherwise kinked. The original hoses seem to be pretty durable. Most leaks occur soon after any work done on the fuel system because someone did something wrong. You should not smell any gas when the motor is running. If you do you need to figure out why quickly. Never try to stop a leak by over-tightening a banjo bolt. It will break. Take the connection apart and find the problem.
David Teitelbaum



All A-1 Advice with K-Jet system owners... I would like to also add, only open the fuel system when absolutely necessary.