Scary moment

Canada Col · 03-31-2008, 05:26 PM

Ok you really couldnt make this up. I have just been working on my 79sc setting up the fuel pressures after the kind advice from my fellow pelicans, I jumpered the relay and everything was coming together well,so I thought I would start the car as I have installed a used set of ssi heat exchangers over the winter and wanted to hear them. So the car starts and after 30secs smoke appears from the dash and the rear blower tubes and when I look underneath I can just see flames inside one of the heat exchangers thru one of the joints... The flames went out on their own but what could I have done to cause that?Any remedies,I really dont want to remove them again if I can get away with it.. Help appreciated ...I need a beer. Thanks Colin

euro911sc · euro911sc's Garage

Did you leak fuel onto/in them?

-michael

Jeff Alton · 03-31-2008, 05:41 PM

Did you move the plunger on the CIS at all? That will put fuel through the injectors and into the cylinders and out any open exhaust valves (once enough goes in) and into your heat exchangers. One can even hydraulic lock the motor by doing this.

It will evaporate away fairly quickly, but make sure you close your heat ducts with the levers before running the motor again.

You may want to change the oil as well as the fuel can get by the rings and into the bottom of the crankcase contaminating the oil, but it too may evaporate away.....

Cheers

Canada Col · 03-31-2008, 05:47 PM

You guys are the best, I did move the sensor before I was told to jumper the relay .Me being stupid I didnt think that much fuel would enter the cylinders anyway. so you think its ok to run until fuel has burnt away?

Jeff Alton · 03-31-2008, 05:54 PM

I would wait until the morning at least to let it evaporate. There is a chance it is already gone. It will also drip out the joints in the exhaust system as well.

On another note, are you CWR PCA member? Join up if you are not, we have a good time!

Where abouts are you located, I could swing by tomorrow if you are close and take a look.

Cheers

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

Colin,

If I understood your story correctly, the smoke in the dashboard was coming from the heat exchanger? And nothing caused by electrical faults? My quess is that there was some combustible material in the heat exchanger. Maybe like packaging materials, peanutts, paper, etc. or worst residual oil or fuel.

The worst moment had passed away when the flame self extinguished and it could have easily turned your 'beloved' car into ashes. I would recommend that you disconnect the hose to the heater flapper box and blow compressed air from the other opening of the HE. In case you don't want to removed the SSI from the motor.

Your new unwanted experience may help and save others in the future from a major calamity. Keep us posted.

Tony

Jeff Alton · 03-31-2008, 06:06 PM

Good point, I had not considered packing material after I saw he adjusted the fuel pressure....

Cheers

Canada Col · 03-31-2008, 06:21 PM

Yes you have a point ,the exchangers where well packed with the foam peanut stuff. Looks like I have got a couple of things to look for. The compressed air is worth a try. Jeff I have been thinking of joining PCA as I have viewed the website I am located in Chilliwack but work all over the lower mainland during the day so getting together could be difficult unless a weekend. Cheers Again

kodioneill · kodioneill's Garage

always, always keep a large, quality fire extinguisher nearby after any repair. also always pull your injectors out and put towels under them while purging.