Down In A Blaze Of Unglory - 914s on FIRE!, It can be pretty common, unfortunately. What causes the 914 to catch fire so easily, how to prevent it from happening and what to do if it does happen Options

[tumamilhem]

Has this ever happened to you?





Video of car on fire: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151125433882341


This is an unfortunate, serious reality and real danger for us 914 owners that tragically happens all too often. But why and how can it be prevented?

I'd like to propose three talking points that could help educate other 914 owners to make necessary precautions to preserve their cars - and their lives:


1. What causes fires in the 914 and why are they so common?

2. What precautions may be done to prevent a 914 from catching fire?

3. If your 914 does catch fire, should you try to put it out or should you stay away in case of an explosion?

[Porschef]

The factory fuel lines are a combination of nylon and steel. Somewhere in the tunnel they transition from steel to plastic. They head out the firewall, make a left (go to the right as you face the car from the back), pop up out of the right side engine shelf through two black rubber grommets, feed the fuel system, and return excess fuel back to the tank.

It is just as they exit that shelf where the problem lies, right under the battery. I replaced mine with Tangerine's excellent kit, and it wasn't until I removed the factory units that I saw how rough and BRITTLE they were at that spot. How? During the removal process I had to bend the plastic there just a bit. It kinked easily, and upon restraightening, cracked. Did I figure if it was the feed or the return that was really shot? No.

Sometimes, when I'm wondering if something is worthwhile doing, I'll ask myself "would I give (in this case, about 215 bux for SS lines and enough R9 to do the job) to have my car not catch on fire and possibly be completely destroyed? To have it back the way it was for the sake of not doing a relatively easy job as a precaution?...

Why even waste time talking about how you'd extinguish a fire?

Pretty simple answer, especially when you see the possible effects. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/barf.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

It's a nearly 40 year old German car. Expect it to need some updating.

Joe