Topic

This happened this Wednesday 23/11/11 at 8am whilst the owner was on the motorway on his way to work in Switzerland.
Read the news report here

This is not the first time this has happened.

Here is a link to Dieter's site with more info

There is advice there regarding fitting cable ties to the quick release connectors on the petrol lines



Perhaps something to check this weekend

I have seen this type of push fit connector come apart on plumbing fittings, the fluctuating pressure causes the release collar to move a very tiny bit each time the pressure varies and it then comes off!!!! But water dosen't burn the cable tie "stops" are a terrific idea and may save a BBQ'd F or TF

I had this happen to me in a Ford Granada, not long after the fuel filter was changed.

It was at night, and as I turned right, I lost all power to the engine, heard a Whoooph, and saw a small flaming ball bounce off down the road behind us!

As flames began to shoot from under the bonnet, I quickly pulled to the kerb.

As it happened directly opposite a parked Police car. The Policemen shouted invaluable advice to us - 'Get out of the car!'

I dread to think what would have happened otherwise, because Sheila and I would have just sat in that rapidly burning car,...NOT!

It was very helpful to have two coppers as witnesses with the insurance claim, though.

It is far more common for a modern fuel injected car to go up in flames quickly as the fuel is under pressure so if a leak happens it will spray flamable liquid all over the engine, exhaust, electrics.

That car looks familiar.

Anyone we know?

The link doesn't work for me.

Try the none translated original swiss link http://www.blick.ch/news/schweiz/ostschweiz/dieses-auto-brannte-lichterloh-187827

The sketch above with the cable tie instructions are taken from the Lotus Elise workshop manual.
Assume there's usual no problem with the reliabilty of the MGF /TF fuel lines, IMO problems could occure when not trained mechanics had disconnected the lines and refitted in a wrong way.
If there was a problem from principal then more then the two or three known cars would have sadly burnt away.

One of my biggest fears being trapped in a burning car AGAIN

So my F has a small fire extinguisher in the car,

a 7KG Co2 one in the boot

and an engine bay Co2 system that can be set off from the steering wheel

Fingers crossed I should be ok next time

rough luck wrote: wrote:

One of my biggest fears being trapped in a burning car AGAIN

So my F has a small fire extinguisher in the car,

a 7KG Co2 one in the boot

and an engine bay Co2 system that can be set off from the steering wheel

Fingers crossed I should be ok next time

Bet that was scary

rough luck wrote: wrote:

One of my biggest fears being trapped in a burning car AGAIN

Fingers crossed I should be ok next time

***sharp intake of breath between gritted teeth***

nasty Jon, wouldn't wish that on anyone, been too close to comfort to a burning car myself....very unpleasant to put it mildly

Ophelia often smells petrol'y' so will check the fittings asap...any other obvios causes to look at???

birks wrote: wrote:

rough luck wrote: wrote:

One of my biggest fears being trapped in a burning car AGAIN

Fingers crossed I should be ok next time

***sharp intake of breath between gritted teeth***

nasty Jon, wouldn't wish that on anyone, been too close to comfort to a burning car myself....very unpleasant to put it mildly

Ophelia often smells petrol'y' so will check the fittings asap...any other obvios causes to look at???

I have heard of the plastic petrol tanks cracking and leaking perhaps someone can advise further

birks wrote: wrote:

......Ophelia often smells petrol'y' so will check the fittings asap...any other obvious causes to look at???

The round panel under the parcel shelf carpet on the passenger side, gives access to the fuel tank. There you will find a large plastic screw cap, for the fuel pump. When you unscrew this you will find a large rubber seal, this can become distorted and leak, the seal is cheap and an easy fix.

Leaks on the filler hose itself and associated fittings can also cause problems.

Knowing that the fuel tank is just behind your seat also doesn’t help when you get a whiff of petrol

I'll have a look as soon as it stops raining...the drawbacks of not having a garage

thanks