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J.montalvo94 Samba Member
Joined: May 25, 2016 Posts: 4 Location: Mesa az
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 10:58 pm Post subject: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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New to the site not to sure if this is where I would post or not I have a 1969 vw bug with a 1915cc engine I installed an autozone mechanical fuel pump a couple months back which is still under warranty anyways I was driving Saturday night turned the corner my car shut off and caught up in flames not sure if anyone has seen this before or not but everyone says it's due to fuel filters bad lines leaking carb etc but haven't seen any from a fuel pump I believe I received a defective fuel pump one of the metal lines coming out of the fuel pump where the gas hose clamps on to completely came out of the fuel pump I'm guessing which caused the fire any help would be appreciated thank you
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56Cabrio Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2008 Posts: 1899 Location: San Fernando Valley, CA
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 11:18 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire?? |
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That's pretty common, that's why it's a good idea to put safety wire on those pressed fittings. Something like the carb in the pic.
Pic from Cusser.
_________________ F#CK CANCER
Make a donation
1956 Rag Top owned since 1988
1956 Convertible owned since 2000
1963 Hard Top
RIP Dad 4/20/1951 - 2/4/2023
Last edited by 56Cabrio on Wed May 25, 2016 11:22 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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J.montalvo94 Samba Member
Joined: May 25, 2016 Posts: 4 Location: Mesa az
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Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 11:22 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire?? |
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Alright because I was going to see about putting a claim against autozone due to the fuel pump causing the fire and being under warranty just not sure if they would pay for the damage or not |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist
Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13389 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 5:48 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire?? |
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J.montalvo94 wrote: |
Alright because I was going to see about putting a claim against autozone due to the fuel pump causing the fire and being under warranty just not sure if they would pay for the damage or not |
I believe that fuel pump is an Airtek brand. They are notorious for those fittings popping out and the pivot pin working itself out of the body. The pumps are also famous for putting out to much fuel pressure as well.
I think you should explore holding Autozone or the pump manufacture accountable for your damage. Both companies have to know about those pumps issues, yet they keep selling them.
It might be worth a call to a lawyer to see. _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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wcfvw69 Samba Purist
Joined: June 10, 2004 Posts: 13389 Location: Arizona
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 5:50 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire?? |
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http://www.airtexproducts.com/
Here's their website. You should contact them and link this thread. It's BS that companies get away with selling known, poor quality parts, especially ones that will burn your car to the ground. _________________ Contact me at [email protected]
Follow me on instagram @sparxwerksllc
Decades of VW and VW parts restoration experience.
The Samba member since 2004.
**Now rebuilding throttle bodies for VW's and Porsche's**
**Restored German Bosch distributors for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored German Pierburg fuel pumps for sale or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche fuel pumps or I can restore yours**
**Restored Porsche distributors or I can restore yours** |
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vwinnovator Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2005 Posts: 1555 Location: Still doing it in the back of your VW
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 6:01 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire?? |
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that's a tough call..
User installed opens up a lot of outs...
You would have to be able to prove correct installation, most likely from a "certified" technician, as well as prove the fire originated as a result of the fitting coming out.
from a defense side, I would argue that the fire could have originated elsewhere, heating up the softer metal that allowed the fitting to loose it's press fit and "fall" out.
fuel spraying on distributor is what usually ignites a fire. anything above the distributor could be pointed to as the cause.
even if the fitting blew out and pumped fuel at the distributor, the fire damage will mask the truth...
sorry for your loss.
good luck with your attempts.
Won't your std car Ins. cover it?? |
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Bob Loblaw Samba Member
Joined: August 17, 2008 Posts: 865 Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 9:09 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Generally speaking, a manufacturers warranty will cover the replacement of the part, but no consequential damage. _________________ sent from a phone using poor grammar and spelling |
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Cusser Samba Member
Joined: October 02, 2006 Posts: 31380 Location: Hot Arizona
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 9:32 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Actually, that is Glenn's photo. I also use safety wires since the mid-1970s, maybe pre-dating Glenn's, but Glenn does it way neater than I do.
Unfortunately, cost of engine/VW repair would likely be too small potatoes for a lawyer, who will likely charge $300 or more per "hour". But it wouldn't hurt for you to explore AutoZone/Airtek to cover repair costs through their insurance. _________________ 1970 VW (owned since 1972) and 1971 VW Convertible (owned since 1976), second owner of each. The '71 now has the 1835 engine, swapped from the '70. Second owner of each. 1988 Mazda B2200 truck, 1998 Frontier, 2014 Yukon, 2004 Frontier King Cab. All manual transmission except for the Yukon. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335294 http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=335297 |
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J.montalvo94 Samba Member
Joined: May 25, 2016 Posts: 4 Location: Mesa az
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 12:43 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Thank you everyone man that really sucks kinda looks like I'll have to pay out of my pocket for the repairs but I guess it won't hurt to try putting in a claim |
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blue72beetle Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 846 Location: Fort Wayne, IN
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 4:12 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Trailer the car to Autozone's parking lot with a sign over the fire damage that says "Get in the Zone! Quality Parts Sold Here"
See how long before they change their tune.
..... or until they call the police. _________________ -Andy-
-1970 Ghia-
-1971 Bus 1776 Microsquirt EFI- |
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J.montalvo94 Samba Member
Joined: May 25, 2016 Posts: 4 Location: Mesa az
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 4:27 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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that sounds like a good idea lol make them look bad guess I can give it a try (: |
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andk5591 Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16758 Location: State College, PA
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 4:49 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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All it will take is a lawyer to do a search for "VW beetle engine fire" and they will probably have 100 pics with the usual "why". You can attempt to get some resolution, but I dont know how much time and effort I would put into it on your own. You may get something out of it, but realistically, you screwed up somewhere. I do feel for you and I have a 74 beetle that suffered the same fate by one of the previous owners.
BUT have you talked to your insurance agent? You should. Did some real quick research for you. And if they feel the part was the issue, let them go after the parts store.
Forget which site this was from
Quote: |
Sometimes vehicle engines can catch on fire due to mechanical problems. While car insurance policies do not typically cover mechanical failure, fire is the exception. For example, if you are driving on the highway and the engine becomes engulfed in flames comprehensive coverage will cover the cost to repair your vehicle. Or, you might have a total loss on your hands. Either way your car insurance policy will pay the actual cash value of your vehicle minus you deductible. |
This is from Einsurnace
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So let’s say your car has caught fire. You’re okay but your car looks like the bottom of a barbecue. Your car insurance will pay for all this, right? Maybe not. Unless you have comprehensive coverage, your basic policy will only cover fire damage resulting from a collision. And, as we mentioned in our prevision post about car arson,insurance companies are extremely suspicious of spontaneous car fires. Even if you have comprehensive, expect some scrutiny of your car and your background before your claim is paid.
Things can also get a little dicey if the fire was caused by mechanical failure. Depending on your policy, your insurance may pay for fire and smoke damage except the actual defective part. Say a faulty battery
started the fire. Insurance will deduct the value of the battery from your claim payout |
From Grundy
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What is Comprehensive?
Comprehensive insurance covers your car for losses resulting from incidents "other than collision."¯ Grundy Insurance policies outline some causes of loss that are considered “other than collision." Causes of loss covered by your comprehensive coverage include, but are not limited to: missiles or falling objects; fire; theft or larceny; explosion or earthquake; windstorm; hail, water or flood; malicious mischief or vandalism; riot or civil commotion; contact with an animal and breakage of glass. |
_________________ D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
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Q-Dog Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010 Posts: 8700 Location: Sunset, Louisiana
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 4:58 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Go back and look at Glenn's photo with the safety wire. See the gap between the hose and the carb body? That is just as important as the safety wire.
Some guys shove that hose on all the way until it bottoms out, then they crank down the hose clamp until they cant go any more. This squeezes the hose out around the clamp, and pushes against the carb (or pump) body and will pull the nipple loose. _________________ Brian
'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle |
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enjoyther1de Samba Member
Joined: December 19, 2010 Posts: 1279 Location: chino,ca
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Posted: Thu May 26, 2016 5:30 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Q-Dog wrote: |
Go back and look at Glenn's photo with the safety wire. See the gap between the hose and the carb body? That is just as important as the safety wire.
Some guys shove that hose on all the way until it bottoms out, then they crank down the hose clamp until they cant go any more. This squeezes the hose out around the clamp, and pushes against the carb (or pump) body and will pull the nipple loose. |
Also, leaving an extra inch or so of fuel line will not hurt anything. It also leaves you extra just incase you have to cut a stuck line off the nipple. _________________ HBB took me to BBV. |
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mark tucker Samba Member
Joined: April 08, 2009 Posts: 23937 Location: SHALIMAR ,FLORIDA
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Posted: Fri May 27, 2016 8:32 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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dont forget autoshacks facebook page!!!!! |
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modok Samba Member
Joined: October 30, 2009 Posts: 26790 Location: Colorado Springs
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Posted: Sat May 28, 2016 12:52 am Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire?? |
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wcfvw69 wrote: |
Both companies have to know about those pumps issues, yet they keep selling them.
It might be worth a call to a lawyer to see. |
Yep, they should know. It's hard to imagine they don't know, but maybe they don't.
Not sure about a lawyer, but yes you certainly should make autozone aware that these pumps are not only poor quality but also cause fires.
80% chance nobody will care but it's still worth doing, on the off chance they do the right thing. |
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andk5591 Samba Member
Joined: August 29, 2005 Posts: 16758 Location: State College, PA
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Posted: Mon May 30, 2016 1:55 pm Post subject: Re: 1969 vw bug defective fuel pump fire? |
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Still goes back to "was it the pump?" Have not seen anything that tells me that conclusively. _________________ D-Dubya Manx clone - 63 Short pan,1914.
Rosie 65 bug - My mostly stock daily driver.
Woodie 69 VW woodie (Hot VWs 7/12).
"John's car" 64 VW woodie - The first ever
Maxine 61 Cal-look bug - Cindy's daily driver.
Max - 73 standard Beetle hearse project - For sale
66 bug project - Real patina & Suby conversion
There's more, but not keeping them... |
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