Almost had a fire

I was checking trans fluid with the truck running and noticed gas dripping fast out of the fuel preasure regulator. It was running down the valve cover right to the exhaust, If I had been driving and the engine been hot I probably would have burned down the truck. I'm going to install a fire extinguisher or two right away. I'm feeling lucky, maybe I should buy a lottery ticket also.

It's a 302 swap with edelbrock carb and small elect. fuel pump. Tha carb didn't like the higher preasure so I put in the regulator to knock it down to 4 1/2 -5 lbs preasure . I should have bought a new regulator ( I have a new one now) instead of using one that had been in my parts box for 20+ years.

Ya brother that was a message from that great van place in the sky




m1d

donivan65 wrote:I don't know what engine you have, but a 6 cylinder needs 4 to 6 pounds of fuel pump pressure to the carburetor,,,,,if the carb don't like that, then the needle, seat or float aint doing its job,,,,,,unless you have some other reason for a regulator in the system,,,,,,also a piece of 5/16" metal brake tubing  from the fuel pump to the carb is a safer way to go instead of rubber,,,,,,,this is what I am thinking right now,,,,,

I bought the tubing yesterday and am not driving Magic again until after that is taken care of!

Its actually surprisingly difficult to ignite fuel on an exhaust. Almost impossible, although the tiniest spark will do the job....!!

Sy Hollinshead wrote:Its actually surprisingly difficult to ignite fuel on an exhaust. Almost impossible, although the tiniest spark will do the job....!!

That makes me feel better, but I still bought a fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers should be in any car thats carbureted. Or any car for that matter. Yesterday I saw an rx-8 that looked pretty new and it was smoldering away on the side of the road. I have one in my daily and in my van. They are definitely cheap insurance!

I have at least one extinguisher in every vehicle I own. I will not drive without one. I've had four car fires over the years. I can't tell you how many I've seen over all my years driving a truck. Cheap Insurance!! It can and will save your butt. I have them all over my house and shop as well. Had to fight my way out of a burning house once. I want all the help I can get.

Duane in Tennessee

I once ended up with a girlfriend for a while after pulling over to put out the fire in he VW bug... Carrying an extinguisher is smart for many reasons. 

Also, a battery cut out switch located as close as possible to the battery, and within reach of the drivers seat is a very good idea.
Mine is on the battery box.