Member Since: 24 Nov 2009
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 35
Advice re fire extinguisher used in engine bay.
I need some advice.
On the 26 of May my vehicle broke down then a very long story until today when I went to collect the vehicle.
The problem is when I inspected the vehicle I noted signs of a fire extinguisher having been used in the engine bay.
No fire damage although I know he had problems with the injection seals after he replaced the pump.
How much potential damage could they have caused and where do I stand legally?
ps they deny the extinguisher use.�I will go anywhere, as long as it be forward.� David Livingstone
I would worry about why the extinguisher was used in the first place. No SIGN of fire damage, does not mean it isnt there.
You don't say what type of extinguishant you've spotted, but I presume it is powder or AFFF.A vaccine does not stop you catching a virus, or passing it on, or getting ill from it, really ill. It does reduce the likelyhood of you dying when really, really ill. Stay Alive - KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE.
29th Jul 2011 11:44 am
Adrian L
Member Since: 24 Nov 2009
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 35
yes its powder. if you lick your finger and scrape other up it burns.
I think they found the injection leak when the saw flames. May not have burned long enough to damage anything.
can't think of any other reason why my engine has a nice coat of white on it.�I will go anywhere, as long as it be forward.� David Livingstone
29th Jul 2011 11:52 am
neil
Member Since: 28 May 2009
Location: Wiltshire / Gloucestershire border
Posts: 164
Powder is ammonia phosphate based and will corrode metal & alloy surfaces and after time can perish rubber. Powder forms a crust after a chemical reaction with the fire and you should see signs of this on jubilee clips etc - more of an issue is where you can't see it as it gets everywhere!
29th Jul 2011 12:10 pm
Spooky
Member Since: 02 Jun 2009
Location: Swindon, Wilts
Posts: 1013
On top of that, if any of the 'o'-seals were affected by the heat (flame lick), they can decompose and form Hydrofluoric Acid (nasty).
From the RAVE Manuals:
Quote:
SYNTHETIC RUBBER
Many ’O’ ring seals, flexible pipes and other similar items which appear to be natural rubber are made of synthetic materials called Fluoroelastomers. Under normal operating conditions this material is safe, and does not present a health hazard. However, if the material is damaged by fire or excessive heat, it can break down and produce highly corrosive Hydrofluoric acid which can cause serious burns on contact with skin. Should the material be in a burnt or overheated
condition, handle only with seamless industrial gloves. Decontaminate and dispose of the gloves immediately
after use.
If skin contact does occur, remove any contaminated clothing immediately and obtain medical assistance without delay. In the meantime, wash the affected area with copious amounts of cold water or limewater for fifteen to sixty minutes.
I'd ask what happened, whereabouts, as well as the big one - why were you not informed!!!Regards,
Mick
- 2014 SDV8 Autobiography
- 'Vincent' - 2010 TdV8 Vogue SE
- 'Molly' - 2005 HSE Auto
'Dixie' - 2000 D2 Td5 ES
30th Jul 2011 11:47 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Fire brigade put a handheld extinguisher to a colleagues D3 shortly after he bought it. He ran the car for 3 years afterwards with no issues post-cleanup by TH White in Wootton Bassett. Don't know how they cleaned it or what parts, if any, were replaced.
It was a neighbour who called the fire brigade when he saw smoke coming from the front of the car. Why he didn't knock on the door so they could discuss the operation of the FBH we will never know.Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum