Date:         Sun, 23 Dec 2012 23:38:38 -0500
Reply-To:     John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Meeks <vanagon@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Fire!
Comments: To: Dick Wong <sailingfc@dslextreme.com>
In-Reply-To:  <!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAAOt/xdRkfLlAqIF53JVUnbzCgAAAEAAAADLbUYhnKTRIkcG5z3Nni4wBAAAAAA==@dslextreme.com>
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Dick ~ Your pix look a lot like my post-engine fire. I replaced the melted
parts with used salvage stuff and took a lot of time replacing the melted
wires.

My fire resulted from a failed crankcase breather tower o-ring spraying oil
over the top of of the engine. I'm not sure what the ignition source was
but I suspect arcing from a compromised spark plug wire.

Bottom line is the repairs made me go through all the components and the
result is a fine running engine.

I'll state the obvious and suggest replacement of all fuel and coolant
hoses in the engine compartment.

Good luck with whatever course you choose to salvage your treasure :-)

John Meeks
'91 Multivan 250k miles
Stock 2.1

http://www.vanagonauts.com
Vanagon Rescue Squad
with iPhone and Android apps
On Dec 18, 2012 10:19 PM, "Dick Wong" <sailingfc@dslextreme.com> wrote:

> Here are some pictures.  Both links are to the same site.
>
>
>
> Fire pictures.
> <
> https://plus.google.com/photos/109269280604562976036/albums/582316564680081
> 9169?authkey=CKyk1tixnrXNDw>
>
>
>
>
> https://plus.google.com/photos/109269280604562976036/albums/5823165646800819
> 169?authkey=CKyk1tixnrXNDw
>
>
>
> -Dick Wong-
> 78 Scirocco
> Original Owner
> 87 Syncro 2.5
>
> Third Owner
>
> 12 Golf TDI
>
> Original Co-Owner
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dick Wong [mailto:sailingfc@dslextreme.com]
> Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 3:37 PM
> To: 'vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM'
> Subject: Fire!
>
>
>
> I'm okay.
>
>
>
> Early November I bought my first Vanagon.  1987 GL Syncro with a Audi/VW
> 2.5L I5 conversion.
>
>
>
> Today I had an engine fire.
>
>
>
> Coming to a stop on a freeway off ramp the clutch pedal goes to the floor
> without disengaging.  Step on it again and same results.  Van is lurching
> forward because the clutch won't release.  Hitting the brake slowed it but
> I
> can feel the engine pushing forward. I shut off the ignition to bring it to
> a stop.  I look in my mirrors and see smoke coming from the rear air
> intakes.  I hop out in the middle of the road and run to the back hoping it
> might only be steam.  No luck, it's stinky smoke and starting to turn
> black.
> I get my cell phone and dial 911.  I stand there and watch flames starting
> to come from the bottom of the engine.  More black smoke.  I think to
> myself, I am going to watch my "new" Syncro burn to the ground.  All of a
> sudden there is a loud hiss and the smoke turns to white steam and water is
> streaming from the engine.  The coolant tank melted and sprayed coolant on
> to the fire and put it out.  Shortly after an highway patrol pull up.  A
> few
> minutes later the fire truck arrives.
>
>
>
> Not a nice day.
>
>
>
> My theory is:  Clutch hose or the slave had a catastrophic failure and when
> I stepped on the clutch, the brake fluid sprayed out on to the exhaust
> piping (exhaust runs forward on the driver side).  The fluid flashed and
> started burning.
>
>
>
> It's sitting in my driveway now.  I'll start looking at the damages another
> day.  I'm too depressed to do anything now.  Fireman said that it might be
> a
> total loss.
>
>
>
> -Dick Wong-
>
> 78 Scirocco
>
> Original Owner
>
> 87 Syncro 2.5
>
> Third Owner
>
> 12 Golf TDI
>
> Original Co-Owner
>