fire safety

I'm picking up my VS wide body speedster today. I've supplied a 2275 SCAT motor for some extra zoom.
I've heard a lot of talk, primarily from Kirk that the big carb motors are prone to catch fire. Of course SCAT doesn't see a problem.
In addition I've seen several entries here showing results of an engine fire.
I've got on board extinguisher and I'm going to install a Halon system for the engine compartment.
Any other suggestion, issues, experiences, is this an problem, is it primarily a garage builder problem? Am I too paranoid?
Any discussion will be appreciated.

Dennis,

Know your Car and keep up on the PM.

I carry an Extinguisher and a gound cloth to attempt "Smothering the fire" if the Extinguisher can't put the fire out.

I also utilize the Mechanical Fuel Pump, some owners have installed Electric Pumps and unless the circut to the pump is "Open" the fuel will continue to "Feed the Fire".

Most people pull over and "Turn the Engine Off" when they see smoke. If the Pump circuit is still "Closed", the pump will continue to pump.

Most of us really inspect the Speedsters and will catch the problem before it becomes hazardious especially the "hose connections or fittings".

Good Luck,

Jack Blake

Dennis,

My fire was electrical. Fit a safety cut out switch for the battery and make sure the alternator charge lead is fused (which connects directly to the battery live terminal without being switched) in case the alternator lead ever gets grounded / knocked off.

Oh, and powder extinquishers leave an INCREDIBLE amount of residue.

Jack, Simon -
thanks for you fast response, well taken points.
My background is racing formula cars, which seem to be safer with the required switches etc.
Unfortunately my mechanic did the work and I just drove them, so I'm a little ignorant of specific cures and fixes for exotic street cars.
Any other experiences and suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

A Halon fire supression system is the way to go. Just be sure to pull the pin and walk away. An accidental breath would make you feel nasty and a couple of breaths, especially in a panic situation, would make you blackout.
-=theron

You can keep-up with routine maintainance and pay close attention to gas lines and always be on the lookout for carb leaks and still have a fire. Ask me how I know... I was lucky, damage was moderate, Haggerty was terrific to work with. Something changes in your mind after your car has burned, you become slightly paranoid everytime your carb spits.

Dennis,

I don't think Halon is availiable due to it being "OZone Unfriendly" and has been replaced. My last Race Car had a Halon system and I was told that I would have to replace the Halon Bottle if used because Halon was illeagle and no other material could replace it and would have to purchase the Alternative Fire Suppressent Material.

As for the Halon, its works great but the Bottle takes space that isn't there. Spare Tire, Tool Kit, Extra Oil, Fan Belt, Spare Ignition Parts, Car Cover, Side Curtins etc. = not any space for much else. Your are even worse trouble if your Girl Firend, Wife or "Other" doen't know how to pack!

I did some "SCCA Open Wheel Stuff" before going to fendered cars but have performed all my own Maintenance, Fabrication, Glass Work and Engine Building and these cars are very simple (I don't feel they are Exotic)- they are VW's with a Glass Body.

Once you "Know & Learn" the Car, you shouldn't have too much to be concerned with regarding Fire. You'll probable focus your attention on "Engine Oil Temperature" and "Enjoying Driving". You'll also experience over & over again your "15 min. of Fame" - "Just Wait and See" the attention you little car will generate.

Enjoy the Moments!

Good Luck,

Jack Blake

Dennis,

With regards to Jack's information, Halon was banned in the 98/99 due to environmental concerns. Halon cannot be manufactured any longer, but have been and still is available at a higher cost. There are some information that can be found with regards to EPA regulations, the last paragraph being the only thing that concerns saving your investment - see below;

EPA Ban on Halon
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a regulation on March 5, 1998 that concerns the handling and disposal of Halon and containing-containing equipment (63 FR 11084). Specifically, this rule covers Halon 1211, Halon 1301, and Halon 2402. The rule bans the manufacture of blends of these Halon (i.e., blends containing two or more Halon(s); and establishes certain provisions for training of technicians who handle Halons and containing-containing equipment, releases of Halons from containing-containing equipment during testing, maintenance, and other activities, and disposal of Halons and containing-containing equipment. The date on which this rule becomes effective is April 6, 1998. This summary provides a brief review of the major elements of the rule.

Intentional Releases

This rule also prohibits venting of Halons during testing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, or disposing of containing-containing equipment, or during the use of such equipment for technician training. For health, safety, environmental, and other considerations, several limited exemptions have been provided for the following types of releases:
De minimis releases associated with good faith efforts to recycle or recover Halon. For example, release of residual Halon contained in fully discharged total flooding fire extinguishing systems is considered a de minimis release; see Preamble for discussion of other releases considered de minimis.
Release of Halons during testing of fire extinguishing systems or equipment is exempted only if the following four criteria are met: (a) systems or equipment employing suitable alternative agents are not available, (b) system or equipment testing requiring release of agent is essential to demonstrate system or equipment functionality, (c) failure of the system would pose great risk to human safety or the environment, and, (d) a simulate agent cannot be used for the testing purposes.
Research and development (R&D) for Halon alternatives, and analytical determination of Halon purity.
Releases associated with qualification and development testing during design and development of containing-containing systems and equipment only when (a) such tests are essential to demonstrate functionality, and (b) a suitable simulate agent can not be used for the testing purposes.
Halon releases that occur as a result of owner failure to maintain containing-containing equipment to relevant industry standards are also prohibited.
However, this prohibition does not apply to emergency releases of Halons for legitimate fire extinguishing, explosion inertion, or other emergency applications for which the systems or equipment were designed.

Much Luck - Mel