Failed OEM FPR and fuel fire - sad day.
03-06-2019, 05:07 AM
#1
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Failed OEM FPR and fuel fire - sad day.
After many races the OEM FPR cracked and leaked (poured) fuel through engine bay.
In hindsite we had a bit much stress on it with the AN fittings and the non flexible braided hose. Even at 345 whp we had no issues with fueling but will be going to a proper aftermarket unit from now on.
Was a very lucky escape for the car. Incredible that fire crew arrived so quick but car was on fire for over half a lap prior so they chucked a red flag out as I started coasting.
Even that small amount of smoke was incredibly toxic and have a burning throat 3 days later. I am sure 10-20 secs more would have had me in a bad way.
Also interesting to note the brakes failed from the heat. Pedal went straight to the floor. I had presumed a hose had melted at the time but brakes work fine again now, so fire heat temporarily killed them.
://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Q-l4im8tg&t=&fbclid=IwAR1T_o1i3ZpfHHivGHuPx62nZhyUIqffRmyUMLjDF-FH7JBetavrG_q_CHc
In hindsite we had a bit much stress on it with the AN fittings and the non flexible braided hose. Even at 345 whp we had no issues with fueling but will be going to a proper aftermarket unit from now on.
Was a very lucky escape for the car. Incredible that fire crew arrived so quick but car was on fire for over half a lap prior so they chucked a red flag out as I started coasting.
Even that small amount of smoke was incredibly toxic and have a burning throat 3 days later. I am sure 10-20 secs more would have had me in a bad way.
Also interesting to note the brakes failed from the heat. Pedal went straight to the floor. I had presumed a hose had melted at the time but brakes work fine again now, so fire heat temporarily killed them.
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03-06-2019, 08:39 AM
#2
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Glad you made it out safely. Hopefully the car isn't damaged too badly. I know faulty FPR are the cause of many FD fires (though I think they may just have pulsation dampener, but same concept). Its incidents like this that make glad that a on-board fire system is at the top of my lists for my track build.
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03-06-2019, 12:47 PM
#10
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Sorry to see one of the cleanest, nicest laid out engine bay's get trashed like this. Like other's say, a plumbed in Halon, or equivalent fire system can be done for $500. and adds a big load of comfort while on the track. Best wishes while you clean her up!
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03-06-2019, 01:14 PM
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Cheers guys. i'll add a before and after engine bay shot later on.
Though I wouldn't argue against a supression system, Im not so sure one would have worked in this case as the fuel just kept coming. Even after I turned the key off.
It was only that the water cooled evrything down enough to stop the self combustion process.
It wasn't until I thought to also unscrew the fuel cap that the fuel flow actually stopped.
Anyway, I posted as reminder of what can happen but also it showed that my previous "what do i do in a fire situation" pre planning paid off (apart from forgetting the ignition which was/is still a bit embarrassing).
Though it didn't help in this case, I still think getting to a fire point is one of the critical ones, so knowing where they are before hand is important.
Practicing getting out with the extinguiser etc.
The big and scarey thing was the smoke, long before I stopped I had to wind down the other window as it was already getting to be a problem.
Though I wouldn't argue against a supression system, Im not so sure one would have worked in this case as the fuel just kept coming. Even after I turned the key off.
It was only that the water cooled evrything down enough to stop the self combustion process.
It wasn't until I thought to also unscrew the fuel cap that the fuel flow actually stopped.
Anyway, I posted as reminder of what can happen but also it showed that my previous "what do i do in a fire situation" pre planning paid off (apart from forgetting the ignition which was/is still a bit embarrassing).
Though it didn't help in this case, I still think getting to a fire point is one of the critical ones, so knowing where they are before hand is important.
Practicing getting out with the extinguiser etc.
The big and scarey thing was the smoke, long before I stopped I had to wind down the other window as it was already getting to be a problem.
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03-06-2019, 01:30 PM
#13
From my experience (firefighter) water isnt very good to put on that kind of fire. When putting water on a fuel fire it spreads it around. Water is good on class a fires which are wood and foam. However a fire suppression system using a halon bottle is good for class b and class c fires (your was class b) which would have put it out rather quick.
Edit: Also looks like their hose is attached to their truck. They really should have some sort of class b foam on board for situations just like this.
Edit: Also looks like their hose is attached to their truck. They really should have some sort of class b foam on board for situations just like this.
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