Date:         Fri, 19 Dec 2003 09:57:09 -0600
Reply-To:     Chris Mills <busbodger@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Mills <busbodger@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Yesterday's Engine Fire in Rockefeller Center NYC
In-Reply-To:  <5.2.0.9.2.20031219010313.0275ae70@mail-hub.optonline.net>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

The problem I see with the VW bus (Vanagon too?) is the close proximity of
the fuel tank to the engine and the gravity fed fuel system. Most of the
modern cars I have worked on have the fuel pump in the tank and the fuel
gets pumped out of the top of the tank so if a fuel line pops off, the fuel
flow stops.

If the fuel line pops off the VW Bus tank (or really anywhere in the
system) the bus simply dumps the entire tank of gas on the ground. So the
Vanagon is the same?

If there is a fire there the fire gets to burn all that fuel and the vehicle.

Of course there is all the interior upholstery above the engine too waiting
to help the fire move inside the bus.

Dangerous design? IMHO not the worst but far from the best.

On my '78 I plan to add an electric fuel valve that is normally closed and
will open only with the ignition.

Less than $50. It's a fuel rated solenoid valve. I don't have the
manufacturer's name on hand but I could get it for you. It is in the
archives either at Vanagon.com or Type2.com as this info was in a
discussion once upon a time.

Got a fuel fire? Turn the key off (or flip a switch off or whatever version
you want to build). Also good theft proofing...

At least then the fire can fought without 10 gallons of gasoline helping it
along.

At least then you are trying to extinguish a bit of oil or plastic and not
a bunch of gasoline.

I'd also ditch that plastic engine cover some Vanagons come with. Just
helps the fire get inside the vehicle once it melts.

I looked at a nice '78 85K mile Riviera camper belonging to a friend a few
weeks ago. It has the OEM fuel lines on it from 1978! How many other VW's
(how many old cars in general?) suffer from 20-30 year old fuel lines? FWIW
I warned that friend...

Good luck in your search for another ride. Don't worry about the VW's
safety. I think it is fine for adults who can jump out in case of
emergency. I do however have issues with this type of emergency with babies
and toddlers strapped to their car seats and dependent on an adult to free
them in case of a fire or collision...

Change those fuel lines annually!



Chris M. in TN