Engine fires

[Kim Wersal]

I recently purchased a '69 912 Targa that had been the victim of an engine fire. My husband and I hope to bring it back to life. A reference to engine fires on the 912 Registry site made me think this has happened to other 912s. Apparently the fire was related to a gas line leaking or disconnecting. Is there some alteration recommended to prevent a recurrence or is it simply a matter of good maintenance? Thanks for your help.

[Rick Becker]

Kim:

Suggest you check all the rubber fuel hoses along the entire route from the fuel tank to the engine and replace the hoses if there is any doubt as to their condition. My '66 once sprung a slow leak behind the engine, near the fan where the metal fuel lines from the engine and the chassis connect with a short piece of hose! I found this out after parking the car and finding a trail of fuel though the parking lot!!

Rick B

[Adam Reed]

Kim-

Another place to look is the short piece of flex hose that goes from the spigot exiting the gas tank to the long metal tube running the length of the car. I once had this little bit rot out and dump a lot of fuel in a parking lot. Easy to fix, but you'd never think of looking there, so don't forget it when you check all the other bits of fuel hose.

Adam Reed