Flaming Spyder!!

[SpyderGirl]

So I was riding home from Spyders in the Redwoods, it was about 95 degrees out, and we were on Highway 1 between Leggett (101) and the coast (near Ft Bragg). I was forced to pull over when the Spyder decided to overheat. I got a high-temp code, the gauge was full on hot, and it was in limp home mode.

Once I was able to find a spot to pull off safely, I shut it down to let it cool and Geoff pulled up on the RT behind me. A few moments later when I wasn't looking Geoff said "your Spyder is on fire"

I turned around and saw this and just had to take a picture.

[harrypottar]

what happened?

[SpyderGirl]

what happened?

My best guess was fuel blow-by into the exhaust system. It was backfiring and must have ignited.

As far as the over-heating issue, I don't know. I checked the coolant and it was low, but no sign of a leak. I am hoping I didn't damage the head gasket. I will know when I do my oil change.

I had some bottled water, I topped off the coolant tank and was able to get her home. It helped that it was 30 degrees cooler on the coast.

[MMcc]

I had a similar fire in my 2008 GS. One plug wire failed just above the plug boot. Started to lose power, temp started to rise then a backfire and limp mode. Pulled to the side of the road and when I shut it down I watched as fire shot out of the muffler. Burned for about 30 seconds and then went out. I did not have any extinguisher so just stood back. After letting it cool I started it up and running on one cylinder. Limped the final few miles home. Check the plug wires.

[NancysToy]

I had a similar fire in my 2008 GS. One plug wire failed just above the plug boot. Started to lose power, temp started to rise then a backfire and limp mode. Pulled to the side of the road and when I shut it down I watched as fire shot out of the muffler. Burned for about 30 seconds and then went out. I did not have any extinguisher so just stood back. After letting it cool I started it up and running on one cylinder. Limped the final few miles home. Check the plug wires.

[SpyderGirl]

I had a similar fire in my 2008 GS. One plug wire failed just above the plug boot. Started to lose power, temp started to rise then a backfire and limp mode. Pulled to the side of the road and when I shut it down I watched as fire shot out of the muffler. Burned for about 30 seconds and then went out. I did not have any extinguisher so just stood back. After letting it cool I started it up and running on one cylinder. Limped the final few miles home. Check the plug wires.

Plug wires are brand new. I bought them from Ron a few months ago.

[NancysToy]

Plug wires are brand new. I bought them from Ron a few months ago.

I'd check them and the plugs anyway, but it may be a difficulty with the coil or ECM in that case. ...possibly heat-related? Ignition woes are almost always the root cause of unburned fuel in the exhaust on fuel injected vehicles.

[SpyderGirl]

I'd check them and the plugs anyway, but it may be a difficulty with the coil or ECM in that case. ...possibly heat-related? Ignition woes are almost always the root cause of unburned fuel in the exhaust on fuel injected vehicles.

I will check them and the coil. I was thinking that I need a EFI controller for my HMF pipe.

[NancysToy]

I will check them and the coil. I was thinking that I need a EFI controller for my HMF pipe.

I's possible, but not common. If the fuel mixure is so lean that it won't fire in the cylinder, fuel can collect in the pipes. I'd look for other causes first, unless a change in weather brings a dramatic improvement. Just remember, new wires can be bad (not likely), vibrated loose, or arcing to the head or engine. Normally, reading the plugs is the first step in troubleshooting, but it is a royal pain on a Spyder. You are good at this stuff, I'm sure you'll find the culprit(s) in short order.

[flamingobabe]

Bad deal...fire and Spyder should not be used in same sentence....hope you find the problem....

[ARtraveler]

Glad you made it home safely. Keep us posted as you get it figured out and repaired.

[SpyderGirl]

I's possible, but not common. If the fuel mixure is so lean that it won't fire in the cylinder, fuel can collect in the pipes. I'd look for other causes first, unless a change in weather brings a dramatic improvement. Just remember, new wires can be bad (not likely), vibrated loose, or arcing to the head or engine. Normally, reading the plugs is the first step in troubleshooting, but it is a royal pain on a Spyder. You are good at this stuff, I'm sure you'll find the culprit(s) in short order.

I'm sure I'll track it down. I'll report back once I am able to investigate further.

[Firefly]

Sorry about your problem.. but glad it didn't totally go up in flames!

[SpyderGirl]

Sorry about your problem.. but glad it didn't totally go up in flames!

For real!!!

[Bob Denman]

I suppose that if you take the viewpoint that, "it could have been a heckuva lot worse!"; then it makes it easier to sit down and figure out what caused this informal marshmallow roast to occur...
Good luck, and we're all hoping that it's nothing serious and can be fixed easily!
Does ATGATT include fireproof britches?

[SpyderGirl]

I suppose that if you take the viewpoint that, "it could have been a heckuva lot worse!"; then it makes it easier to sit down and figure out what caused this informal marshmallow roast to occur...
Good luck, and we're all hoping that it's nothing serious and can be fixed easily!
Does ATGATT include fireproof britches?

It should on the RS with all the heat on the right side. I told our local BRP rep that they need to make pants with a built in heat shield on the right pant leg.

[Bob Denman]

Sorry... I've got to say it...
Perhaps a fireproof bikini???
I feel so ashamed...

[Firefly]

Sorry... I've got to say it...
Perhaps a fireproof bikini???
I feel so ashamed...

Hey now... I've seen Geoff in a bikini..... and it was NOT a pretty sight!

[SpyderGirl]

Hey now... I've seen Geoff in a bikini..... and it was NOT a pretty sight!

Hmmm, that's interesting.

[Blue Star]

Hey now... I've seen Geoff in a bikini..... and it was NOT a pretty sight!

I have seen Geoff fully dressed, and that is not a pretty sight

[SpyderGirl]

I have seen Geoff fully dressed, and that is not a pretty sight

Geoff is sitting here wondering how he got dragged (in drag) into this.