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General Information => General => Topic started by: dsteve on January 02, 2010, 09:31:41 am

Title: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: dsteve on January 02, 2010, 09:31:41 am
Hi there im new to the site i currently own 2003 vw passat 1.9 tdi 130 bhp, this morning to my surprise my neighbour was knockin to tell me a fire engine was putting out my vehicle.
 The fireman said it looks as if the fire started under the bonnet as the interior was untouched except the roof lining, but i havent moved the car since 29th december so it wasnt hot or just used and i havent annoyed anyone so i was wondering if anyone has heard of diesel engines catchin fire on their own (or looms) i know petrol engines do the ignition coil overheats, i have been a mechanic for 15 years and never heard of this any info greatly recieved thanks.
dsteve
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: the caveman on January 02, 2010, 09:37:55 am
Wow -really? it's not like diesel is very volatile so there must have been a big spark to light something up enough to flame. Have you had the arson squad in? do you have many enemies ? We used to see  bosch CIS gasser cars go up with all that excessive fuel pressure but never a diesel.
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: dsteve on January 02, 2010, 09:46:39 am
No enemies, im thinking electrical but the vehicle has been stationary for 4 days. Maybe just a random attack, insurance should send in fire investigator and shed light on the situation.
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: dsteve on January 02, 2010, 09:59:04 am
The battery has melted along with the loom and most other plastic parts but i have never had to jump start the vehicle. the only work done to it in the 15 months i owned it is a full service all filters changed and a drivers side driveshaft gator. It is a complete mystery
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: burn_your_money on January 02, 2010, 10:48:42 am
I'm not sure about Passats but mk4 Jetta/Golfs have some wires running under the battery or battery tray. I would venture to guess that either the battery was leaking and ate away the insulation or it just rubbed off causing a short.
Sorry for your loss
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: 745 turbogreasel on January 02, 2010, 11:12:01 am
maybe a rodent bit the wrong wire?
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: veedubcanuck on January 02, 2010, 11:30:20 am
Hmmm TDI now means Time Delayed Inferno?? lol. But seriously, sorry for your loss. I haven't heard of any issues like that either. And for it to happen 4 days later is really suspicious too. I guess we will never know.
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: the caveman on January 02, 2010, 01:22:12 pm
Well, my money would be on some significant un-fused short circuit. 
I had to replace the ecu and wiring on a G60 Corrado once. The Injectors were fed from the fusebox without any fuse between them and the battery.
Title: Re: 1.9 TDI ENGINE FIRE any ideas
Post by: Rabbit on Roids on January 03, 2010, 07:55:16 am
do you have a big stereo in it? like any wires powering any big amps? ive seen a truck burn down at school before. the amp wire didnt have a grommet going through the firewall.