[Arcadia335]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Because I'm lazy, I'll just quote myself from another thread...

was that your car?

[Arcadia335]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Here's his engine cover. Notice where the fire appeared to be? Opposite the WW reservoir (which isn't damaged) and just above the exhaust manifold. Guess what, he was running low on meth at the time too. Perhaps it's safer to run full. Perhaps meth vapor can catch fire easily. Who knows.

I wonder if running low on meth just allows vapors to linger, burping through the cap which flashes? Makes sense...vapors can get near manifold, flash and catch the foam...making sense...

[Arcadia335]

Originally Posted by Dr. G

Spoke to someone today who had an underhood fire as well... he was not running meth and never had a meth kit installed. Kind of scary.

DSJB...what about this dude?

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

I'm contemplating fixing it and selling it. I can't do an insurance claim. I'm sure it was related to my racing somehow someway. I think I'm done with the N54. Kick ass motor but geez, too much drama It's been a great car!

I think you're still in shock. Give it some time. Breathe. I know this car makes you but most of the problems are self inflicted. We're taking an otherwise luxury car and asking it to do incredible things.

I say fix it and obviously pull the meth kit. Then decide at what power level would you still be happy. If you can live with a little less power, she's still a keeper.

Don't make rash decisions.

[Arcadia335]

Originally Posted by dsbj

I think you're still in shock. Give it some time. Breathe. I know this car makes you but most of the problems are self inflicted. We're taking an otherwise luxury car and asking it to do incredible things.

I say fix it and obviously pull the meth kit. Then decide at what power level would you still be happy. If you can live with a little less power, she's still a keeper.

Don't make rash decisions.

You're right. I better count to ten. Maybe pull the meth and go RBs.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

was that your car?

Nope. Good friend of mine. I know all the details though. Spent time with him while in despair.

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

I wonder if running low on meth just allows vapors to linger, burping through the cap which flashes? Makes sense...vapors can get near manifold, flash and catch the foam...making sense...

Yup. Makes total sense to me. You always hear how vapor is more flammable than liquid. Spray meth at a flame vs pouring it on and see what happens.

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

DSJB...what about this dude?

I dunno. I'd have to hear more details.

[pavo335]

Check out my post in the "ww meth to trunk tank" thread.

Meth is not to be messed with and to say "I normally run 100% from the WW bottle" is just nuts!

Get a trunk tank and get a fire extinguisher!

[Arcadia335]

well, thanks for your input this late hour. I'm sure this thread is gonna blow the F(*@ up!!! I hope it helps people out in the future. I'm going to keep everyone updated on what my mechanic discovers.

[Arcadia335]

Originally Posted by pavo335

Check out my post in the "ww meth to trunk tank" thread.

Meth is not to be messed with and to say "I normally run 100% from the WW bottle" is just nuts!

Get a trunk tank and get a fire extinguisher!

I was told 50% meth and water will ignite the same as 100% meth. There was somebody on this forum that said they tested it and the 50% meth 50% water created an invisible flame. True or false?

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

You're right. I better count to ten. Maybe pull the meth and go RBs.

I'll tell you what. I once went to full stock before needing a HPFP. I drove it that way for a few months. I went back to just FMIC, Intake and tune and it felt fast as F. Perhaps you should do the same.

But, if you're still needing more power after all that, then I'd say try e85. Cheap and effective. Hope it doesn't cause a short live FP though.

On another note, I would still contact the insurance company. Read your documents and see what's covered or just call and ask. The fact is, you may very well be covered and if you are, there's no reason NOT to put in a claim. I'm not saying cheat but don't cheat yourself either.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

well, thanks for your input this late hour. I'm sure this thread is gonna blow the F(*@ up!!! I hope it helps people out in the future. I'm going to keep everyone updated on what my mechanic discovers.

Please, allow me...

Engine Cover
6 Injectors
6 Coils
6 Fuel Lines (and maybe fuel rail but probably not)
Wire Harness
Valve Cover (includes gasket and bolts)
2 Lambda Sensors
Couple of Vacuum Lines
+ Labor

That's assuming pics are all inclusive.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by Arcadia335

I was told 50% meth and water will ignite the same as 100% meth. There was somebody on this forum that said they tested it and the 50% meth 50% water created an invisible flame. True or false?

Cheezy tests next...

At night, it's clearly visible. During the day, maybe not.

[Arcadia335]

Originally Posted by dsbj

Cheezy tests next...

At night, it's clearly visible. During the day, maybe not.

Wow, I wish I saw this a year ago! Thanks man!

[spool twice]

Ouch, sorry this happened. After this happened, would some of you guys say it would be safer to remove the acoustic foam below the engine cover?

The vapor lock thing really needs to be addressed. I wish the .PDF instructions would specify trying to drill an additional vent tube to allow a well sealed hose to collect vapors that escape and vent in a more safe manner. I would imagine adding this extra step would take away from the "ez installation" because that would mean you'd have to purchase a drill if you dont' have one already.

[Ilma]

I'm not buying into the theory that the vapours are coming out from the cap.

That would blow the cap open.

Yet in all of these pictures, the cap is still sealed shut. How do you explain that

I am beginning to think that perhaps there is a leak originating from the bottom of the WW tank that allows meth to pool into the bottom belly pan.

Vapours rising from that pool in the pan would pass by the hot turbos/manifold and flash ignite.

Doesn't that seem like a more likely explanation?

And drilling a hole in the cap will allow vapours to vent directly into the engine compartment - not a great idea either.

I see that some have stuck a vent tube into that hole - redirecting the vapours. That is what I would do.

[hotrod182]

Yeah, with low meth levels, I doubt vapors coming out of the cap hole would go down to the manifold and ignite a fire under the valve cover. Pretty sure vapors would cause more of an underhood explosion than specifically lighting the insulation. Maybe someone could to a vapor ignition experiment. Setting a small amount of meth next to a hot manifold or something.

[happy4nk8er]

Found this info on 100% meth characteristics and comment from a drag racing forum.

Methanol has a boiling point of 148F (65C). What happens when a liquid boils? It changes from liquid state to vapor. If there is enough vapor present it can be ignited with a spark, open flame, or spontaneously combustion if it is hot enough. Now, what is the temperature in the typical automotive engine bay? Well because of SAE specs I design all our electronics for 221F (105C). But on an average hot day the typical engine bay temps might be in the range of 150F to 185F. So see the issue?

This would be a good point to note that if methanol is burning the flame is nearly invisible.
Ok, so the autoignition temperature of 100% methanol is 851F (455C) that is well above engine bay temps so no worries right? ... Wrong.

What was the temp reading on your EGT gauge last time you looked 800F, 1000F,....1600F? (note if you see 1600 while using a Boost Cooler call our tech line as something is not right)

So in short running 100% methanol in your engine bay you risk the chance of an invisible fire while refilling your methanol tank after that last 1/4 mile pass.

[Slow_335i]

Shitty that happed but props to op for taking the blame and not trying to clain insurence.

[dbjb]

I'm not sure if it vapors or liquid pooled somewhere. This is all speculation as no one has a camera under the hood. It really can be either. If there's enough vapor, it can ignite and the mist on the manifold can light for just a few seconds starting the rest. Look at the video above. In the 100% spray test, the candle AND step stool caught fire and stayed lit after just a mist. It didn't even require a pool of meth. Of course, a pool would cause even more I'd imagine.

Vapor or a splash can come out the top (weak cap), a broken filler neck like ETS Mike, crack elsewhere, etc. I do find it interesting that the 2 cases on this thread were during low meth levels with high concentration, no visible leaks, high engine temps and of course WW setups.

For some more information, here is the MSDS in methanol. Check out the auto-ignition point. How high does our exhaust manifold and/or turbo get under load?

MSDS:
General Information: Ethanol may inhibit methanol metabolism. As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Water may be ineffective. Material is lighter than water and a fire may be spread by the use of water. Vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapors can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas. Extinguishing Media: For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Water may be ineffective. For large fires, use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Do NOT use straight streams of water.
Flash Point: 12 deg C ( 53.60 deg F)
Autoignition Temperature: 455 deg C ( 851.00 deg F)
Explosion Limits, Lower:6.0 vol %
Upper: 31.00 vol %
NFPA Rating: (estimated) Health: 1; Flammability: 3; Instability: 0

[ajsalida]

If it started under the valve cover why not look into an injector leak or fuel line? They're all right there next to the spark plugs and coils (and under several thousand PSI of pressure). Wouldn't take much to ignite even a tiny bit of fuel under there. Wouldn't jump to the meth hypothesis until this had been ruled out.

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by ajsalida

If it started under the valve cover why not look into an injector leak or fuel line? They're all right there next to the spark plugs and coils (and under several thousand PSI of pressure). Wouldn't take much to ignite even a tiny bit of fuel under there. Wouldn't jump to the meth hypothesis until this had been ruled out.

You're right. Anything is possible. That is why I mention an insurance claim because fire is generally covered and it may be just coincidence that he has a meth setup. A claims adjuster may be able to tell. If its what you suggest, the OP might be covered and save himself $xxxx and he shouldn't feel guilty about it either. My 2 cents.

[sA x sKy]

Absolutely crazy...I"m sorry for your loss OP but I commend you for not taking it to insurance..although like others have said, if insurance can cover it, then don't cheat yourself out on something that can cost thousands to fix. Good luck!