Engine Fire...
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw MI
Engine Fire...
Hey all, just pulled the '74 out for the first good run of the season, and I had a massive carburetor backfire that killed the motor, and flamed until I was able to hit it with the fire extinguisher. Worst bit is, I took it to a Vette specialist for serious engine work over the winter.
That said... anyone able to tell me what may have caused this? The carb is a Holley, and was idling at 1000RPM in Park/Neutral, and at 700RPM under load. I'm at a loss... and hoping the insurance company is going to come through.
:mad
That said... anyone able to tell me what may have caused this? The carb is a Holley, and was idling at 1000RPM in Park/Neutral, and at 700RPM under load. I'm at a loss... and hoping the insurance company is going to come through.
:mad
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,720
Likes: 106
From: Canada
Re: Engine Fire... (thomar2k1)
If you don't keep the maintenance up on Holley's they are notorious for leaking fuel. I am taking mine apart this week as it is leaking after sitting over the winter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: Engine Fire... (thomar2k1)
Like the others, I am sorry to hear that you had problems. At least you had a fire extinguisher. I wonder how many board members are driving around with 20 or 30 year old cars without fire extinguishers. :eek: Once of the cheapest insurance policies out there.
Gary
Gary
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,720
Likes: 106
From: Canada
Re: Engine Fire... (Matt Gruber)
was the air cleaner on before the fire?
did you try to restart it?
did you try to restart it?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Re: Engine Fire... (thomar2k1)
:seeya Don't have the backfire answer as a backfire can be caused by several things - timing, lean, etc. just wanted to say welcome to the forum.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: Engine Fire... (thomar2k1)
Every once in a while, if I let go of the key at just the right time during the start, I'll get a carb backfire. The nice thing is, they're very distinct sounding, and fairly simple to cure...crank the motor again and suck the flames down in the intake.
But, worry is why I always have a fire extinguisher handy, and recommend the VetteDan kit to anyone and everyone.
But, worry is why I always have a fire extinguisher handy, and recommend the VetteDan kit to anyone and everyone.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 16,483
Likes: 1
From: The Only Corvette in Gila Bend, Az.
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Engine Fire... (rainman69)
But, worry is why I always have a fire extinguisher handy, and recommend the VetteDan kit to anyone and everyone.
Do you have a link :confused: :seeya
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Saginaw MI
Re: Engine Fire... (Desertdawg)
Fortunately... the hood was up and air cleaner was off trying to find the cause of the backfiring in the first place. So it looks like the only damage is the chemicals in the carb and all over the rest of the surfaces in the engine. The insurance company looks like they are going to come through (woo hoo State Farm).
Wish I would have known that trying a restart could put the fire out... but I guess this is one of those things that I am going to learn from... unfortunately it's at the cost of not being able to drive it for about a month in the short Michigan driving season.
Thanks to all for the support! :)
Wish I would have known that trying a restart could put the fire out... but I guess this is one of those things that I am going to learn from... unfortunately it's at the cost of not being able to drive it for about a month in the short Michigan driving season.
Thanks to all for the support! :)
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,955
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Re: Engine Fire... (thomar2k1)
i've learned :cuss to keep the air cleaner on whenever starting. a fire will tend to go out from lack of oxygen as it can't draw air thru a paper filter. gives me time to restart to be sure it is out.(don't take the lid off and look :nopity
those new paper filter lids may prove to be very exciting now and then :D
those new paper filter lids may prove to be very exciting now and then :D
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 4
From: Medford, Or
Re: Engine Fire... (Desertdawg)
Desertdawg-Go to http://www.vetteworksonline.com for C3 extinguisher brackets and a full assortment of Amerex fire extinguishers.
Dan :cheers:
Dan :cheers: