Beetle Fire !!!

My wife Melissa just called. She was on her way to a meeting with her boss. She saw a black beetle heading 75 North around the Stockbridge exit. Just as she pointed to show her boss, they noticed that the rear had started to catch fire. After getting the older man's attention, he pulled over and her boss got it under control with an extinguisher while she called 911. It wasn't a total loss but pretty burnt.

Crazy Stuff !!! Just thought I would share.

A big hand to them for helping out. Hopefully with their aid the damage was limited somewhat.

This just happened to a guy on another site I belong to and he snapped a shot.

Most of the time this happen's when someone puts a plastic fuel filter on the fuel line.I hate to here about any of them catching on fire.

Those fuel line ends need to be checked for dry rot and cracks frequently!!!!! the cloth will hide them, but if a leak starts....
The plastic inline filters, while good for clean fuel, allow for additional places for the fuel lines to leak. So check, check, check, and a fire extinguisher is a wothy investment, Keep it in a handy place!If you change that filter frequently, why not change the lines too. Cheap insurance.
I hope none of us ever have to experience that.

fire sucks

The plastic filters are OK as long as you swap them often and keep them away from the hot stuff. Fuel hoses, hose clamps, and brakes are the first things I do to any VW. I tell that to everyone who is new to the VW scene. GET CLAMPS TODAY AND INSTALL THEM AS SOON AS YOU GET THEM! Buy a fire extinguisher ($20.00 or so from Lowes) and store it in the car where you can grab it from the drivers seat, not in the trunk. These are NOT options. These are requirements. I've seen too many VWs go up in flames that were most likely a lack of a .30 cent clamp and an unprepared driver watching helplessly as his air cooled beauty goes to the junk yard in the sky. Despite public opinion, VWs don't catch fire any more than other old cars. The problem is that you don't see, smell, or realize the car is on fire because the engine is in the back.

Why not just put a metal one on there instead of putting a plastic one and having to worry about it cracking, and having to change it "often" its just one other place you have to worry about something happening.I do agree with changing the clamps, that is a great idea to do.

Yea, I have read all about bus fires on thesamba, but hearing this first hand from my wife, and how scary it was makes me a little nervous.
I had my fuel lines checked (along with the rest of the bus) when I first got it over in Forest Park at the VW shop. They said they looked ok. I also have the plastic fuel filter as well.

I want to get them all replaced now....How hard is it to get to all of them? Bumble, have you replaced them on your bus?

I just found this, I think I will order. http://www.germansupply.com/home/customer/product.php?productid=17152&cat=&page=1

I've never heard of a plastic filter cracking, it's the rubber lines as they age, and the connection ends the filter creates. These can be positioned away from critical stuff, like the distributor, and as was stated- clamps are a good idea too- at the filter and the fuel pump!. (Fires could be caused by those connections leaking, w/o a filter installed!) It comes down to..... MAINTENANCE!
I don't think any of the parts- filters or fuel lines are hard to find. I usually pick up mine at Herrells (and get a spare or two) but you might even check NAPA or AutoZone and see if they carry the cloth wrapped rubber fuel lines. The filters are universals I think.

svkustoms wrote:fire sucks

But fire gives me job security

http://fire.cobbcountyga.gov/station-1.htm

You can get fuel line at any auto parts store. I just get ennough length to replace all the rubber from the tank to the carb. I pefer the plastic filters because they're cheap and I replace them every other oil change when I adjust the valves. The only reason you should have to wory about the plastic filters is when they get old and brittle. That's when they crack. I also run my filter out away from the engine and not in line between the pump and the carb where I see a lot of others put it. I have zip ties and adel clamps securing the line to make sure it doesn't vibrate too much as well. I also grommet the hole where the metal line comes through the tin so that the line won't chafe. My fire extinguisher bolted to my bulkhead and I can grab it as I exit the drivers door in the unlikely event of a fire. The most important thing is the clamps. Clamp every spot where the hose attaches...The tank, the metal line on both sides, the fuel filter on both sides, the fuel pump and the carb. Don't over tighten them just good and snug. If you're not sure about a line, jsut go ahead and reaplace it. It's cheap insurance.

Panic,
When you pull your lines, just inspect the metal one and make sure it's not worn in any spots (especially where it passes though any tin), and if it looks good just reuse it. If you're worried, take that to the auto parts store as well. Make sure you tell the clerk that it's FUEL line so they don't try and sel you some cheap plastic vaccum line.

votwing wrote:

svkustoms wrote:fire sucks

But fire gives me job security

http://fire.cobbcountyga.gov/station-1.htm

So the next time I see your car I'll just cut the fuel line and tape it to the dizzy. Just to see how the pros work.

Who's got the marshmellows?
















(Understanding that sarcasm is lost on message boards I feel the need to let all who read this know the above statment is a joke. No VWs were harmed in the formation of this reply.)

I'm with Glenn on where to put the filter. I always put it where the line exits the frame horn, except when the owner wants to argue about it (if they're that stupid, their car deserves a better owner). Metric hose fits waaay better, and doesn't squish and mushroom when you clamp it.

Clyde wrote:Metric hose fits waaay better, and doesn't squish and mushroom when you clamp it.

I have to agree with Clyde. I had a line let go at the carb. The previous owner had installed your typical, standard fuel line and it had mushroomed at almost every connection. For a few buck I bought the correct 5mm German line from Clyde and the fit was perfect. It didn't look like it needed it but I added clamps as a safety backup. My carb line actually came loose with the inlet tube still in it. Basically the steel tube came out of the carb body. Clyde suggested wrapping wire around the 5mm fuel hose and bringing it back to one of the body screw on the carb.

Scott