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Date:         Sat, 10 May 2003 12:35:41 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: 80 Westy Engine Fire - Mystery Solved
Comments: To: Richard Golen <rgolen@UMASSD.EDU>
In-Reply-To:  <5.1.0.14.0.20030510103945.025adb10@pop.umassd.edu>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Did he really run the engine low on oil or did it just "throw" a rod. It can and does happen. If the engine was recently rebuilt, you have to ask why.

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of Richard Golen Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 10:46 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: 80 Westy Engine Fire - Mystery Solved

Hi All,

A couple of weeks ago I posted a message about my son's 80 Westy's engine catching fire. Fortunately no one was hurt and the fire was put out before there was major structural damage to the van. At the time it looked like I would have to replace some wires, air cleaner, hoses, distributor, etc....about a few day's work.

What bothered me was this was a new engine and all of the fuel lines were replaced when the engine was put in, so I couldn't understand what caused the engine to catch fire.

This morning I started the task of cleaning off the fire extinguisher powder, and some of the charred bits from the engine. As I pulled away some of the debris from the manifold, I found the problem!

I guess he ran the engine low on oil (IDIOT!!) and blew a rod. The rod went through the top of the case and severed the fuel line at the "T" piece. And voila!! Engine Flambe!

So I'm not sure what's going to happen to his Westy at this point...its now his project. The body and interior are in good shape for an 80...he has a parts van...but the question is now going to be a replacement engine.

He's a college student who spent a big chunk of his savings on a new engine for the van, so he's low on funds. Does anyone have a good used A/C engine, cheap?

Ric


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