Fires in early CIS cars

[Tom F2]

What causes so many fires in this part of the early CIS cars?

[azasadny]

I think it may have something to do with the 90-100psi pressure in the fuel lines. I had a leak in mine several years ago and there was a fine spray of fuel that misted over the engine and it could very easily have been disastrous. With my Weber setup, the fuel lines are at 3.5psi, which makes me feel better. Those high pressure fuel lines are also getting older and cracking and the fittings and clamps are tired, too.

[Dantilla]

I bought my 1973.5 at an auction after it had an engine fire. I thought it was probably 30 year old fuel lines next to a hot engine that finally had enough.

[anger710]

I have 73E with cis and have to replace the fuel lines almost every year because they bleed gas throught the casing I always have extra fuel line with me but find it very fustrating.Im never sure when there going to leak. No fire yet.
Tom

[Gene Wilkes]

Excellent reason to carry a Fire Extinguisher!!

[Porsche_monkey]

I think by the time you discover the fire, stop, get the extinguisher out, and pop the tail up, it is too late.

You need the halon piped system. Pull a pin and the fire is out.

[Gene Wilkes]

It's not difficult to set up!

[Sunroof]

I agree with PBH....
By the time you grab the extinguisher, pop open the hood, which could cause a flash and an extreme danger to you, its pretty much on its way out!!! My recommendation........................KEEP YOU COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE UP!!!!!!

Bob

[Chilling in VT]

One of the other reasons is that they don't have fuses in the fuel pump electrical circuit. Last summer my car had the fuel pump short out and in doing so it melted the wiring back into the main harness. The insulation completely melted off of the wires leaving hot, bare copper wires that were still live (they get their power direct from the battery). If the pump had been leaking, it would have been all over. When I replaced everything, I put in a fuse. If you have a 73.5 CIS car you might want to do this as a preemptive measure.
Joe

[dean]

I think a reason is that a bad mechanic installed the motor and caught the fuel line on the tranny causing it to rub. I have seen this on 2 SC's so far.

[Gene Wilkes]

If i ever use my 9 lb. halon, I'll just shoot it thru the grill! Won't waste time trying to open it! I'm seriously thinking about running lines into the engine compartment so I would only have to hit the trigger!

[Paulporsche]

Brittle old plastic fuel lines under pressure +1