Mr. Wilson says:
And I want to check out a rumor. I was told that late model B's,
with the catalytic converter located conveniently below the
carburetor, are prone to engine fires. The theory is that the
heat shield goes, the rubber parts dry out and crack in the
added heat, so maybe some gas drips down onto the CC, and presto ---
engine fire! Any experiences or comments (uh yeah, make sure the
heat shield is in good shape...)?
I respond:
My '79 Spit has the same setup, and it catches fire regularly. (Well,
it did, until the transmission died.....)
First it was the cardboard doohickey that goes from the scuttle
past the right front wheel. This happened the day I bought the car,
and continued until there wasn't any cardboard left.
Then the hoses going to the auto-choke went, spraying water everywhere.
At least that fire put itself out.
Then, on one VERY hot day, I noticed this funny brown spot growing
on the hood, while driving on the freeway. As I pulled over, I found
the throttle stuck open. I grabbed the fire extinguisher and knelt
down by the wheel, and zapped the carb fire from below. (No pesky
cardboard doohickey left to get in the way.) The fuel hose had
cracked and dripped gas over the heat sheild. The jammed throttle
was due to the throttle cable sleeve melting.
NEVER open the hood on a potential engine fire! The increased O2
can cause spectacular flare-ups. I know. I've seen a few....
All hosing has been replaced by high temp Tygon tubing. And the innards
of that pesky converter... well I won't go into that.
Seriously though, As much as I like Britcars in general, the placement
of the catalytic converter under the carb and in proximity to
combustibles is STUPID STUPID STUPID! It's more than that, it is
criminally negligent. If the Pinto had the same arrangement, Ford
wouldn't be in business today.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Don't panic if you get a fire.
Replace any proximate combustibles with material more appropriate.
And either keep your engine and smog system in tip-top shape at all
times, with frequent replacements of suspect components and exhaust-
meter guided tuneups, or let your conscience and the smog laws fight
it out.
I've been lucky. You may not have the same luck.
Aran Guy guy@bevsun.bev.lbl.gov
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