In a previous life I used to put out flames for a living, and I can second John's advice, Gas is by far the best method, Clean, Quick, and Efficient.
In the good old days of Halon, you would be supprised how large a fire such a small extinguisher could put out, and stay out!
I've gone gass for mine.
Talking of previous careers, our lass used to pull caravans around the peak district but had to pack in when she lost her teeth....
Cars of this value will always be rebuilt.
You would be surprised the parts certain people have been stashing away over the years for events like this.
But seriously,keep an extinguisher handy.
Those first moments of a fire are your chance to stop it. So much hard work and hours goes into our hobby/projects and its a shame to lose them like this.
If they had fired an extinguisher and had the ignition turned off (fuel pump) I think they would be looking at an easier repair.
Tom.
hard to believe that a car worth this money does not have a full fire system fitted. Stupid not to!
Speaking as someone with little to no experience in this area (and hope never to!), this magazine article that I came across a while back seemed quite informative:
http://vmemag.epubxp.com/i/46635
(starts at P.62)
Also a question for someone with experience in this area: In the US, Halon is readily available. It's not manufactured anymore, but there are large stocks available and legally offered for sale, so most common options here are:
Halon (two types: 1211 and 1301)
FE36 (halon replacement, although seemingly not as efficient)
AFFF (aqueous foam)
and some others, but broadly falls along the lines of Halon, halon replacement, or foam
If I decide to plumb in a system, go for Halon then? any ideas about optimal size - as big as can fit or...? (Halon is sold by weight - 3lbs, 5lbs and 10lbs are common, whereas foam is sold by volume 2.25L or 4L)
Regards
Paul
The Halon replacements we have in the UK are supposed to be as good as Halon. I have a Zero 360 lifeline system with 2.25kg of gas (4 nozzles for the engine and 2 inside the car) This is the MSA aproved size for race/rally with that gas. FEV also do an equivalent same sized system. Personally I would go with a gas sstem as it is more effective than Afff and if it goes off by accident it dosent make a big mess! On the down side it is more expensive.Originally Posted by Paul
Halon, Big as you can fit and your budget to stretch to!
In Norway Halon is banned just as in the UK, but the US is buying it up from us so it is reused ;-)
But managed to get hold of a 2 kg, with a glass ampulle on top for auto activation ( 68 degrees ), but also a remote switch so putting a switch in the car. Widely used in enginebays of boats before they where banned.
So need to measure out where to put it so it does not blow.
Also carry a 2.4 liter OMP black edition foam inside the car. I have a 2 kg Halon handheld witch I am considdering putting in front of the drivers side, but need to make up a bracket for it.
What is more enviromental friendly, a Stratos burning up or me putting 4 kg. of Halon out in the air?
Do I care if I save the car, no!
Also, according to my sources, Halon is 5 times more efficient than CO2, so with 4 kg. of Halon on board, I should have the firepower equiviliant to 20 kg of CO2 + the 2.4 liter foam.
Hope I never need them... but the firepower is there....
I hope you got her some new ones John?
As I said Halon all the way, if you can get away with it.
I've found it! .... I looked all over..
What was the other one about someone staring longingly at the window?
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