Re: Fire in the engineroom or- 20 knots and no smoke

["therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxx>]

--- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, Richard Acuti <racuti1@xxxx> wrote:
> During my DeLorean educational process I have noticed an alarming 
number of pictures of torched D's on various websites on the Internet.
> 
> I'm so creeped out by this, that I've mounted an extinguisher 
behind my seat. What was the most common cause of engine fires? Of 
Delorean fires in general?
<SNIP>

Quick Answer: Problem is with the repairs methods used, and not the 
fuel system itself.

Explanation: The high pressure fuel lines connect to other components 
with banjo fittings, and hollow bolts. Then to seal these 
connections, they utilize copper washers. When the hollow bolts are 
tighened down, the will squeeze the copper washers against both the 
banjo fittings, and whatever component they are connected to. This 
allows the washers to mold themselves around the components, and 
create a flush seal as they are crushed. Just like rubber, EXCEPT for 
one thing. The washers will NOT spring back into place. Therefore, 
they must be replaced when reassembling the system. If they are 
reused, they will not be able to seal properly, and will leak gas out 
to cause a fire.

So, whenever you work on the fuel system, and it involves anything 
where you have to remove a bolt, then you'll need to replace the 
copper washers with brand new ones. Whats interesting about this is 
that Pep-Boys, nor any other auto supply store that I've been to 
carry the washers. Niether do BOSCH suppliers, however, they do sell 
aluminium washers that fit and function just fine. I've used them on 
my car with no problem at all. What the difference is (besides the 
price to make them, I'm sure), I've no idea.

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"