engine fire help

pipefighter

Recruit
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
1
I have a 1980 merc outboard and last week had an engine fire under the cowl. Got it out ok but didnt have a chance to look for the cause yet. Anyone have any ideas or similar experiances. Was a fuel fire for sure and ran the boat home afterwards without problem.
 

Ben Konopacky

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 5, 2004
Messages
296
Re: engine fire help

fuel + air + ignition = POOF..any fuel leak, air sucked under hood and any spark from short in wires or hi v.spark from faulty ign. wires and you have a fire..<br />are you a UA pipefighrer ?? loc.9 nj
 

timmathis

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,295
Re: engine fire help

You could have been flooded. And small back fire, Then poof. That's all it takes! Marine fires Happen more than you think! That is why you should allways have A fire ext. A lot of times you can start the motor and it will go out.
 

jwr_20

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2004
Messages
35
Re: engine fire help

I had the exact same problem with my 1984 75hp Merc! The fuel that caught fire came from the carbs when I tilted the motor up, and a small bit leaked out. My questions are these: How can you prevent the motor from backfiring? Also, could faulty floats or inlet needles allow the carbs to leak fuel like that? <br /><br />Any ideas are greatly appreciated.<br />Thanks
 

irishflies

Seaman
Joined
Jul 30, 2005
Messages
50
Re: engine fire help

My voltage regulator shorted out and caught on fire. Replaced it but during the fire the second one, which is located above it must have become damaged and failed after about 7 more trips.My engine is a 1998 carb. 6 cyl. Regulators are located on rear of head on bracket.
 
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