So Do I Need A Firetec?

So my filter is outside the engine bay, new hoses, clips etc. I reckon I have not got any issues then. Still may fit one just as insurance. May sleep on it. Cheers for the .comments.

 

If you have a paper air filter ,that is a potential fire hazard ,mine caught on fire ,also the seal round the tinware is flammable ....

But I have more important things to splash my cash on...

 

definitely for me !

I agree with all the comments regards hose and pipe maintenance, all of mine have been changed coz they were getting dangerous but having a fire ext and oil temp gauge in the cab gives at least the peace of mind, i prefer to have.

also the 'VW didnt see the need 30 yrs ago concerns me.......30 yrs ago there werent air bags, anti-lock brakes, power steering, power assisted brakes, better fuel consumption.........' technology moves on, so why not make use of it !?!?

 

So I take it you'll be either selling up or retro fitting air bags, power steering, anti-lock brakes and a turbo-diesel engine?

Seriously, anti-lock brakes would be something to consider if it were possible. Everyone else has them and if they use them in front of you on a wet road, you'll likely rear end them even if you think you've left a good gap in front. That's from personal experience of slewing across the road with apparently good balanced brakes.

 

I bet the owner of this car wished he had fitted one http://www.driving.co.uk/news/lamborghini/10509
If ethanol in petrol is one of the causes, fitting appropriate hoses must be essential.
Also in the Sunday Times driving magazine there was an article about ethanol content increasing from 5% to 10%, so called E10
They said E10 has been used on the continent for years. Also that premium fuels dont contain ethanol so owners of classic cars will always have a way of avoiding it. That I didn't know, is it worth the extra cost to avoid it?

 

I like this comment, brings a bit of realism into the discussion, thanks

 

A very definitive YES ! ! !

This is from someone who has had an engine fire.

At best you will catch it early and only have to fork out around £2000 on an engine rebuild. In the middle, £4000-£6000 to add a respray. At worst, you will loose the bus.

(Yes I know figures are rough estimates)

Remember, it's not just fuel lines that can start a fire. Ours was caused by an electrical fault.

I would say it is very essential!

 

I've had that on a relatively modern car that one of my helpful employees had fitted with some crappy budget tyres.

 

I'm guessing the answer is that you get what you pay for, but was wondering what people thought of the engine bay extinguishers JK do for £50-60. Presumably better than nothing if you can't afford to fork out for a Firetec...? Or not?

 

Interestingly, Trudy was coming down the toll road today where there was a hold up because of a vehicle fire, apparently a quite modern newish car!

 

I have installed one of the JK automatic extinguishers and upgraded all the lines using coolair's tubing. I know that the JK one is powder but it was 50 odd quid and I reckon you are better off with this than nothing. A powdery engine is better than dealing with the consequences of a fire.

 

Where and how should the fuel filter be mounted by the gear box?

 

It is a strange thing - spending money on something you're not sure will ever work, and hope never to find out!

I've fitted one, for the peace of mind it gives me.

 

With your luck, I don't blame you.

 

Mmmmm. Of course, one actually needs an engine to have an engine fire. Sigh.

 

Someone made a valid point about this - unless you know exactly what has been done within your engine bay over the years regarding hoses, breathers, electrics etc, there is always the possibility that an amateur repair / installation could end up being the cause of a fire. God forbid any of us has a fire, but I'm leaning further in favour of having one of these 'just in case'. There are a number of wires in my engine bay which I need to properly investigate - most I have no idea what they are for and some look to have been cut off - albeit they have been insulated. In the scheme of things it is a small price to pay for some piece of mind. If you do have your head in your engine bay every day and regularly inspect all of the components then I guess it may not be worth it. Many folks though, and I probably include myself, are happy only to check in there when it is necessary - ie when something goes wrong.

 

I got to both my engine fires before they got out of control and both times the damage was minimal ,I have just as much chance as burning my sausages and the van catching on fire like that...

how do these things detect fire ,could a oily heat exchanger set it off?

 

Good point, I had a small issue year before last when the wire that feeds the carb electrics shorted against the engine and burnt out before it caused any more damage. As part of the recent work, I have fused each carb feed at 8 amps (previously unfused). Also, rteplaced most of the old wiring now.

Still thinking I will fit one just for insurance reasons and loss minimisation...

 

http://www.coolairvw.co.uk/Item/Fea...re_Extinguisher_And_Co2_Alarm_Bundle_Kit.html

blatant plug