[T3] Fire!

[Dennis Stiefel]

Well, not a V.W., but want to put this out there as a reminder. I am still
shook up... 

If you are trying to start an engine, have a good large fire extinguisher
handy! It could have gotten out of hand VERY fast, but had to take a second,
calm down, then get a fire extinguisher from the Mercedes a hundred feet
away. If you have hair that might get in the way, put it back before
starting repair work. I lost part of my handle bar mustache and singed a
good part of my hair in the back. Still not sure how it happened, other than
the hood was at that time only part way up. Other damage was a burned up
wiper blade, singed paint, and singed spark plug wire. We are blessed I
didn't burn down a rare classic auto, the garage, or worse Oma's home!

The fire most likely was due to a leaking carbrettor gasket leading to fuel
poring into the manifold. From there, not sure what happened. I was never
taught in auto class when we would do the same procedures to have a fire
extinguisher handy. No excuse, as what matters is I learned a life lesson
and hope to pass it on and save someone or something.


Thank you so very much~
Adriel

-------------------------

1971 Sunroof Squareback with F.I. - Located in Coastal San Diego County
1985 Mercedes-Benz 300TD-T - Dog Wgn
Master's Student, A.S.U., living in north central Mesa, AZ


Other than the hair loss are you OK?  I've been there before with a and
beetle one time and some non VWs other times and the worst was when
Clementine caught fire in 83 when I pulled up at what was my FLAPS at the
time when I was just a young 16 year old lad. That's when I learned to keep
your fuel hoses changed on a regular bases.

Dennis Stiefel
72 Fastback FI MT
71 STD. Beetle
67 Ford F-100 (hart of Crown Vic)
Rainsville, AL