Date:         Mon, 3 Sep 2001 15:29:52 -1000
Reply-To:     Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Fwd: bus fire
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Speaking of bus fires...

I have never had this happen in any of my vangaons (thank god), but I had a
76 loaf that had the fuel lines above the engine.  one day I started her up
(she always started up immediately) and no go.  several key turns later
resulted in snap crackle pop from the engine compartment... and it wasn't
rice krispies.  to my horror I had to sit back and watch my engine burn up.
fortunately a fire extinguisher from a nearby restaurant was acquired to
contain the damage to the engine compartment, but it was one of the saddest
days of my vw life.  Left the engine intact, but melted a lot of stuff,
including all the plastic pieces and the brain box, etc.

good news was that insurance paid for all the repairs and, since we
converted from fuel injection to a single cabuerator, it gave me enough
money left over for a beautiful new paint job (from that ugly puke green
color... flame suit on).  I chose an old Porsche color called "Blood Red."
looked orange in some light and red in others... very cool.  all's well that
ends well I guess, but sure taught me to check the fuel lines and carry an
extinguisher or two.

aloha from the big island of hawaii

mick
89 syncro westy
hilo, hawaii

ps... one day not long ago I saw a guy with a puke green colored loaf... I
mentioned to him that I thought it was one of vs's ugliest color choices,
fully expecting him to agree with me and lament the color or his bus...
instead he informed me that he had just had his bus painted... that's right,
the same puke green color!!!  Doh!  Different strokes for different folks,
eh?