[DeTomaso] Tale of Caution

[Art Stephens]

Dear Sparky,
Good call on the garden hose. Whenever I am starting an engine for the first 
time or doing anything like that, I try to keep a charged garden hose 
nearby. When welding, I keep a bucket of water with a rag in it so I can 
douse a small flame before it gets too big, and at least one fire 
extinguisher nearby, I suggest this for any potential fire situation. I 
talked to a guy who serviced fire extinguishers and he said the most common 
problem was that if the dry chem units sit too long, the powder can cake up 
and not flow. So now I always turn the extinguisher upside down and tap the 
bottom and shake it, (the extinguisher as well as my bootie), every time I 
have it out and ready to use. If a dry chem extinguisher is used at all, I 
mean if ANY powder flows out the nozzle, it needs to be recharged, even if 
the gauge shows full. The powder apparently keeps the valve from making a 
complete seal and the unit will lose pressure at some point in time. You may 
not notice this until it is time to use it, don't ask how I know. So check 
the gauge and shake the extinguisher frequently. I keep two extinguishers in 
the Pantera, having already had one fire with the car, a small one and a 
bigger one in case the small one doesn't get the job done or doesn't work.

Art



----- Original Message ----- From: "David in Durango" <adin at frontier.net>
To: "panteras" <detomaso at realbig.com>
Cc: "TPR List" <tpr at teampanteraracing.com>
Sent: Monday, April 25, 2011 7:36 AM
Subject: [DeTomaso] Tale of Caution


> "It was kind of exciting, with fire and everything!
>
>
>
> When cranking over the engine, fuel gushed out the secondary vent tube. "
>
> OK kids, listen up!
>
> A couple of winters ago I was converting the V8 Miata from EFI to carb. 
> This involved a fuel pressure regulator and a new HEI ignition system.
>
> First, I plumbed in the fuel system.  Everytime I checked for leaks I had 
> one fitting that would leave a gas smell on my fingers.  Eventually, this 
> was fixed (I thought) so I hooked up the ignition system and tried to 
> start the car.
>
> No start.  WTF? I says to myself.
>
> Check the fuel, yep pressure. Try it again. . . ..  no start.
>
> Better check for spark . . . .
>
> Even a small fire, in the garage where the Pantera lives (that is 
> connected to the house) is a BIG freakin' fire.  (Hint: turn off the fuel 
> pump before jumping out the a flaming car.  Trush me.)
>
> So, I picked up the fire ext. placed by the car (I thought I was no dummy 
> . . .guess again) which oozed some stuff out of the nozzle that dripped on 
> my shoe. (sound familiar old tymers?) Fire is getting bigger.
>
> $#^&^&$%   run in the adjoining kitchen for a salad bowl full of water. 
> If you guessed this WASN'T enough water you win the prize.
>
> While I'm having visions of a melted Pantera and a crsipy house (burning 
> car is on jack stands, no chance to push it out side) I calmly walke out 
> the garage door, picked up the garden hose, turned it on full and put the 
> fire out.  Note to self: don't forget to spin the motor without plugs to 
> clear the water.
>
> I believe the barely detectable gas leak had leaked a puddle onto the 
> carpet below (safety hint).
>
> Be careful, have a back up and don't mess with gas in a closed area.
>
> Grouch and Dirty Safety Hint #1
> "yes, we've got spark!"
>
>
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