Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 21:41:19 -0800
Reply-To: Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Brent Christensen <sbsyncro@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: WARNING: Lighting upgrade hazard
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Thanks for all the responses. (Wow - I got a lot of responses)
After thinking about it and reviewing the pictures, I think many of you are probably right - it does not make sense that it was caused by the "consumer" end of the electrical system. (Chalk my comments up to ignorance, panic, and knee jerk reaction). At least I feel a bit less guilty and a bit more lucky (considering that it appears there was an actual fire which was extinguished by sudden coolant spray).
I am *guessing* that it was perhaps a FI system failure promulgated by the sub-freezing temperatures (brittleness, sudden expansion, etc.). I have been super-diligent about replacing things on a PM schedule, and the entire loop of hi-pressure FI lines was replaced with the current motor about 5 years and 75k miles ago. I figured I had about 25k more before I needed to worry about it, but I have always told my (very competent) mechanic to replace *anything* that looks like it needs it, particularly the FI lines. (Particularly since putting out not one but TWO side-of-the-road Vanagon engine fires!)
I wish I was more familiar with the engine compartment and could perform a better forensic analysis. I hope to be able to have someone look at it and make an assessment before I rip it apart and attempt repair.
To those of you offering wiring harnesses - THANK YOU! I need to figure out what the heck I am going to do, and will probably be in touch. I may call my insurance company on Thursday, just to see if there is a basis for a claim (as someone mentioned). If they would at least pay for a tow and rental car, that would set me way ahead financially....
Thanks all, and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy (Over Easy with Toast)
Santa Barbara, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: Brent Christensen
To: sagp2002@yahoogroups.com ; Syncro@yahoogroups.com ; vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com ; syncrolist@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 23, 2002 10:18 PM
Subject: WARNING: Lighting upgrade hazard
Ladies & Gents:
I feel compelled to warn everyone about my recent disaster (this morning). Many of us have spent a great deal of time discussing the various methods and techniques to upgrade our lighting systems; most recently the SA double-light systems using H4 bulbs. Those of us involved in the discussion talked a lot about the modifications made between the battery and the lights, including relays, fuses, wire gauge, etc.
Unfortunately, I (and others, I fear) overlooked the wiring between the alternator and the battery. Well, today I found out how disastrous this oversight can be. I have run my 80w/100w lights for months with no problems, including running them along with the main heater, horn, windshield wipers, and 150w subwoofer amp. This morning, however, I was in a situation that called for using the rear (auxilliary) heater. This combined with the front heater and the side mirror defrosters appears to have exceeded the capacity of the stock wiring.
To make a long story short, my engine wiring harness is cooked, and it took with it several cooling system lines, other electrical wires, and a couple of vacuum hoses. Thank God no fuel injection lines were burned.
For the gory details, see
http://members.cox.net/bpchristensen/Vanagon/Fried_Wire/Index.htm
Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA
