Date:         Sat, 31 Aug 2002 13:18:07 -0700
Reply-To:     "Phil S." <napszeerf@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Phil S." <napszeerf@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fire ext. vs. insurance???
In-Reply-To:  <B995394F.A519%ben@kbmc.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

--- Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET> wrote:
> OK, I know it won't help you find a new pristine
> westy when it's burned to
> the ground, but does anyone know what standard
> insurance co. policy is on an
> engine fire?  Is it covered as a loss, or is it
> considered a mechanical
> failure that's not covered?

Even if they DO cover it, you wont get anywhere near
what you paid for or put into it.

> Realistically, how many vanagons have engine fires
> in the first place?  (I
> really don't know how common the problem is).

Oh i have seen one at a junk yard, i saw another that
was a beautiful maroon colored 90' westy with its
whole rear end toasted on AutoTrader.com and ive read
about a few more on this list since 2000....i think
its more common than we think, could happen ESPECIALLY
on Tiicos if the owner forgets to remove/modify the
fuel pressure regulator rubber cap(this cap will burst
and spill gas on hot engine:(

>Finally, in the event of an engine fire, what's the
> protocol for safely
> getting into the engine compartment to use your $159
> extinguisher?  I.e.
> through the top, the license plate

Good question...i have no idea...ive seen race cars
with a central fire extinguisher and hoses piped into
the engine bay, and a panic switch inside the cab. The
extinguishing element is NOT that white powder stuff
becouse the powder destroys electrics etc.. I think it
is some kind of foam but im not sure

maybe its a also a good idea to store a pair of
construction cloves next to the extinguisher to grab
on hot handles etc..

> I'd be pretty hesitant to
> stick my nose in there with a gas tank a few inches
> away.....

me too!

> Hmmmmm.....
> bmc  :)
> "Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a
shovel...."


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