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Dave W.
Info Junkie
USA
26022 Posts |
 Posted - 04/14/2004 : 17:43:13
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Okay, I know there are some automotive buffs out there...
About a year ago, I noticed that during the traffic reports for either the D.C. or Baltimore beltways, there was at least one report of a car on fire every morning, Monday through Friday. This went on for several weeks.
What is it that causes a car to catch fire during a stop-and-go commute? Obviously, careless smoking might be one reason, but I'm wondering how it would happen to a car otherwise (and without an accident).
In other words, is there a "most common cause" of car fires?
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- Dave W. (Private Msg, EMail)
Evidently, I rock!
Why not question something for a change?
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend
Sweden
9688 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 18:40:13 [Permalink]
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I'm not much of a car-buff... I know the general workings of cars and engines, but I don't know speciffics on different manufacturers. With the possible exception of Volvo. I worked for a couple of months at the Engine-plant in Sweden.
I have a general knowledge of the design of the aluminium block, the 4, 5, and 6 cylinder inline engine, found in Volvo 850, 960, S60, S70, and similar. (The older engine had an iron block, painted red.)
On these engings, I'd say that the fuel-injection has a weak spot, a rubber O-ring that could possibly start leaking. The O-ring connection is located at the end of the cylinder top, and from my recollection not more than 30 cm from the exhaust.
If I was to investigate an engine fire on a Volvo, that's where I would start looking. |
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| Edited by - Dr. Mabuse on 04/14/2004 18:43:05 |
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Woody D
Skeptic Friend
Thailand
285 Posts |
Posted - 04/14/2004 : 19:53:52 [Permalink]
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quote:
In other words, is there a "most common cause" of car fires?
You'll have to ask Ralph Nader on that one.
quote:
Originally posted by Dr. Mabuse
I'm not much of a car-buff... I know the general workings of cars and engines, but I don't know speciffics on different manufacturers. With the possible exception of Volvo. I worked for a couple of months at the Engine-plant in Sweden.
Volvo....Great Car, that.
If Ford hadn't of bought them we'd still be driving one. But the last car we bought was a Toyota, had to get the Camray because the Lexus had leather seats.
BTW, don't you watch TV shows or movies? Cars catch on fire because they get smashed! As for non crashes, seems to me other than leaving a pizza under the hood, over heating, couldn't that if left long enough cause something to happen. Or a loose wire, a spark and poof! Maybe a draging muffler causing a spark. We have a good friend who's a machanic, if/when he gets back I'll ask him, if no one posts a clear reply.
And seriously, I wouldn't depend on those reports on the news or trafic reports. They aren't very accurate. At least from my expierence here in Los Angeles. |
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| Edited by - Woody D on 04/14/2004 20:00:03 |
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filthy
SFN Die Hard
USA
14408 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 00:36:55 [Permalink]
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At least some are started by poor electrical connections, mainly in the vicinity of the battery and starter, and other points of high amperage. I had a motorcycle go up on me thus. The ground strap to the battery overheated and burned. Fortunatly, this was the only damage.
Another cause might be flammable crap from the road being caught around the exhaust's header pipe.
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13477 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 08:10:06 [Permalink]
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| We have an older diesel Volvo that I wouldn't hit a dog in the ass with. I would consider a fire a good thing. |
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
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Trish
SFN Addict
USA
2102 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 09:08:59 [Permalink]
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The Pontiac Fiero was recalled for catching on fire, due to poor design. Fuel lines were run around the transmission. An over-bored engine will catch fire more easily than an unaltered engine, with the notable GM 400 (which is an over-bored 350 small block). Over-boring an engine will cause the thing to overheat.
There are a lot of reasons a car might catch fire without an accident, especially in stop and go traffic - overheating being the most probable. |
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Woody D
Skeptic Friend
Thailand
285 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 11:30:40 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by Kil
We have an older diesel Volvo that I wouldn't hit a dog in the ass with. I would consider a fire a good thing.
That's what you get for buying a diesel, anything. They stink.
We still have the last Volvo we bought, it's almost 20 years old and it still gets us around just fine. Almost wish we would have choosen another, if they'd only bring back that square shape model.
nlm
Oh, and BTW, I was in not one but two head on crashes with the one we have now, all I can say is Great Car. When they say safe, they mean it. And I've never owned stock in the company either, Kil!
Buy GM! |
www.Carabao.net
As long as there's, you know, sex and drugs, I can do without the rock and roll.
Mick Shrimpton
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend
Sweden
9688 Posts |
Posted - 04/15/2004 : 14:08:45 [Permalink]
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quote:
Originally posted by Kil
We have an older diesel Volvo that I wouldn't hit a dog in the ass with. I would consider a fire a good thing.
Volvo never manufactured their own diesel engines for cars, only for "heavy equipment" 6 cylinder 6 litre and larger.
A friend says the newer TDI engine comes from Audi, and it makes sense because I have a vague feeling that older diesel-engines came from Volkswagen. |
Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3
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| Edited by - Dr. Mabuse on 04/15/2004 14:14:33 |
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@tomic
Administrator
USA
4607 Posts |
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