RE: Re[2]: Lesser of two evils

["Vincenti, Ross" <Ross.Vincenti@transamerica.com>]

Peter Mchugh wrote:
     Is it true that "backfire" and unburned fuel in exhausts are the
     same...the text below suggests that backfire damages the muffler...but
     seems to me to be a different issue/problem...      Any thoughts from 
the list????
++++++++++++++++++++
That's my understanding.  Although I would hasten to add that it is a 
"related" problem.  Backfiring caused by an overly rich mixture sometimes 
WILL cause mufflers to blow apart.  I mean, if you think about it, it's not 
much different than sticking a cherry bomb up your tailpipe.  The only thing 
I've never quite understood is why a backfire would blow flame out of the 
carbs, too.  I would think that the explosion would go out the tailpipe if 
the exhaust valve is open and not back through the intake manifold.  Anyone 
care to take a stab at this one?

Ross D. Vincenti - Costa Mesa, CA
64 Spitfire 4
64 Porsche 356C Coupe