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KeithViolet
Freshman Member
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I have a 91 XJS with 35000 miles and I am planning a 1500 mile trip this summer. Is there any way of telling I may have an engine fire, before it happens.
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V12 Engine Fires
- Thread starter KeithViolet
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Bruce Bowker
Obi Wan
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Hard to predict but fires are usually caused by fuel leaking. I would make doubly sure all fuel lines, fittings and anything related to the system is tight and leak free. I have a 1972 V 12 and it had a very small leak which I caught before it did any damage. It was one of the lines leading to one of the carbs. Also carry a GOOD, reasonably large fire extinguisher. After a run check under the hood for obvious leaks and maybe the smell of fuel although that can be misleading depending.
Bruce Bowker
Obi Wan
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by lawguy:
Good advice.
But a bit of an editorial note....
Only a British car enthusiast could ask that question and not think it odd to have to ask.
<hr></blockquote>
I find your joke about British cars a bit offensive. I had a new 1965 MGB that leaked gas, Oh! sorry that is a British car. Ok my wife has had many Austin and Morris Minis that leaked - sorry again they are also British. My father in law had a Austin Princess that leaked. Wait - that is also British. OK OK I have Toyota trucks that never leak so there!!!!!
Good advice.
But a bit of an editorial note....
Only a British car enthusiast could ask that question and not think it odd to have to ask.
I find your joke about British cars a bit offensive. I had a new 1965 MGB that leaked gas, Oh! sorry that is a British car. Ok my wife has had many Austin and Morris Minis that leaked - sorry again they are also British. My father in law had a Austin Princess that leaked. Wait - that is also British. OK OK I have Toyota trucks that never leak so there!!!!!
Michael J.
Jedi Warrior
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There are several things that will minimize the likelihood of a fire. I have a 90 XJS with a V-12. Inspect the injector hoses for signs of heat or age cracking.
If the hoses are pliable and show no signs of cracking, one thing that you can do to keep the hoses in good condition is to apply a little silicone grease to the surface of each hose every few months.
Pull your distributor cap and remove and inspect the rotor. Both are often the sources if engine fires on Marelli ignition cars. The rotor will indicate signs of burning inside the hole where the rotor fits on the distributor shaft.
If you have not done so, go to WWW.Jaglovers.org and download and print the free 700+ page book "Help for the XJS Owner" by Kirby Palm. There are several sections that discuss engine fires including the discussions about ignition fires.
Good Luck.
If the hoses are pliable and show no signs of cracking, one thing that you can do to keep the hoses in good condition is to apply a little silicone grease to the surface of each hose every few months.
Pull your distributor cap and remove and inspect the rotor. Both are often the sources if engine fires on Marelli ignition cars. The rotor will indicate signs of burning inside the hole where the rotor fits on the distributor shaft.
If you have not done so, go to WWW.Jaglovers.org and download and print the free 700+ page book "Help for the XJS Owner" by Kirby Palm. There are several sections that discuss engine fires including the discussions about ignition fires.
Good Luck.
Replace fuel lines with FI hoses. Sometimes the incorrect fuel lines can't handle pressure. Also, retighten clamps on fuel hoses, before the long drive. I wrapped my wires with a special heat tape that can withstand direct fire, for a period of time. Thinking if a small fire develops, and I am quick, the wiring will be saved.
bmurphy7369
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Keith,
If you have an HE model there is also a recall that pertains to the fuel rail and fire issues. Here is a link that covers the XJS and has quite a bit pertaining to V12 fire issues. Replacing the fuel lines is definitely one of the best ways to make your car fireproof.... according to this article (and common sense) the main rule of thumb to follow is that you should never smell gas while in or around your car, especially in the engine compartment. It is difficult for fuel and vapors to build up enough to ignite, so if a fire does happen there has usually been a leak or vapor issue for quite some time.
https://www.jag-lovers.org/books/xj-s/07-Fuel.html
Brian
(owner of a slightly-scorched 1975 XJ6C)
If you have an HE model there is also a recall that pertains to the fuel rail and fire issues. Here is a link that covers the XJS and has quite a bit pertaining to V12 fire issues. Replacing the fuel lines is definitely one of the best ways to make your car fireproof.... according to this article (and common sense) the main rule of thumb to follow is that you should never smell gas while in or around your car, especially in the engine compartment. It is difficult for fuel and vapors to build up enough to ignite, so if a fire does happen there has usually been a leak or vapor issue for quite some time.
https://www.jag-lovers.org/books/xj-s/07-Fuel.html
Brian
(owner of a slightly-scorched 1975 XJ6C)
bmurphy7369
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Keith,
I just skimmed the XJ-S info from the above link, and if I read it correctly, there may be more recalls for the cars, not only the H.E. models. You may get some free work out of Jaguar that will put your mind at ease also. Call the local dealer and have them check your car's VIN to see if there are any fuel/fire recalls and then have them check to see if the work has been done to your car yet if there are any safety recalls for yours.
I have found an XJ-S for around $2000 that has really caught my eye. It's an H.E. model, I think 1988, that needs only rear brakes and a tune-up. The paint is very faded, but the V12 looks very clean (around 100,000 miles, no fire damage!) and the car is rust-free. It's got me juggling the monthly budget numbers around anyway.....
Brian
I just skimmed the XJ-S info from the above link, and if I read it correctly, there may be more recalls for the cars, not only the H.E. models. You may get some free work out of Jaguar that will put your mind at ease also. Call the local dealer and have them check your car's VIN to see if there are any fuel/fire recalls and then have them check to see if the work has been done to your car yet if there are any safety recalls for yours.
I have found an XJ-S for around $2000 that has really caught my eye. It's an H.E. model, I think 1988, that needs only rear brakes and a tune-up. The paint is very faded, but the V12 looks very clean (around 100,000 miles, no fire damage!) and the car is rust-free. It's got me juggling the monthly budget numbers around anyway.....
Brian
Izual Angel
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Fire extinguishers are for amateurs. Get this bad boy and be the envy of all the Jag owners!
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