Spyder fires

[Dan McNally]

From the Owner's Notice" about the fuel cap:
"What is the potential problem?
The fuel cap may not seal properly the fuel tank filler neck. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire."
Well, DUH! And what about all those gas fumes when I get home from a ride and park my 2013 RT Limited that I bought in June . . . well after the gas cap issue was supposedly resolved? I have to leave it outside until it cools, or the gasoline smell in the garage is overwhelming . . . are they not dangerous fumes? BRP . . . there is a dangerous issue here, you have to know about it . . . we aren't keeping it secret. If someone burns up with their Spyder, you may end up in extremely expensive litigation. Wouldn't it be easier to get these 2013s examined, thoroughly, by your dealer network, to try to detrmine the issue and resolve it? Just saying.

 

[gordo2050]

From the Owner's Notice" about the fuel cap:
"What is the potential problem?
The fuel cap may not seal properly the fuel tank filler neck. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire."
Well, DUH! And what about all those gas fumes when I get home from a ride and park my 2013 RT Limited that I bought in June . . . well after the gas cap issue was supposedly resolved? I have to leave it outside until it cools, or the gasoline smell in the garage is overwhelming . . . are they not dangerous fumes? BRP . . . there is a dangerous issue here, you have to know about it . . . we aren't keeping it secret. If someone burns up with their Spyder, you may end up in extremely expensive litigation. Wouldn't it be easier to get these 2013s examined, thoroughly, by your dealer network, to try to detrmine the issue and resolve it? Just saying.

Not just the 2013's My wife has an 11 that I cant park in the garage after a trip of any length.
Think about it, Gas fumes are heavier than air. Garage fills with fumes, older home with water heater mounted low to the ground, and BOOM. A very bad day no matter how you look at it. BRP needs to figure this out, hopefully sooner than later..:yikes:

 

[spydercowboy]

Overfilling will cause the gas smell for sure. Even out here in the desert, the gas is super cold going in. The, things heat up and expand and get into the canister and stink for days. I know we all like to get as much gas in as possible, but that's a huge cause of the reports we read about. A canisterectomy will definitely clear up the gas smell, but then you have to firure the expanding gas is just going on the ground and that can cause other issues.

Gas mileage is also much improved, when you don't end up filling the tank and the canister.

That just doesn't sound like a good thing to do. If even after that yours went up in flames and they found you messed with the fuel system, you may get a refusal to pay for damages by your insurance company. Am I wrong with this concern?

 

[Don in E Texas]

First Spyders

That just doesn't sound like a good thing to do. If even after that yours went up in flames and they found you messed with the fuel system, you may get a refusal to pay for damages by your insurance company. Am I wrong with this concern?

I had a 2008 Spyder -- never did have a fire or any fuel issues. But there were a LOT of Spyder fires reported. One 'fix' was to change how fuel was vented - from under the seat to a location under the bike (mine was changed to vent near the right front tire). Lamont even has a video covering this change. There was a Spyder that caught fire (08 - 09??? don't know) and was at my dealer (Longview, TX). While I'm not a fire detective, sure looked like it started in the area under the seat where all the fuel hoses, canister, valve etc is located. Lady rider had stopped at a Dairy Queen (if memory serves me) - got off her Spyder and started walking to the store. Someone called out 'fire' - turned around and it was on fire. Fire put out fairly fast. I don't know if this 'canister' fix is a valid one for 2010-2013 models or not. If memory serves me, the entire canister setup had to do with CA emmision standards -- wonder if Spyders sold outside the US have a different fuel venting system? -I'd be interested in what others might think? Ride safe. Don

Add comment|: My 2010 has no known fuel problems - no odor, no boiling fuel. Also no excessive heat. Guess I'm lucky??

 

[Bad Dog6]

Anyone have a suggestion on where to mount a fire Extinguisher? Just saying!

 

[quickster47]

Anyone have a suggestion on where to mount a fire Extinguisher? Just saying!

I would mount it somewhere handy but not sure where that would be. Anyplace other than an external mount is going to require opening a compartment and that could take more time than you have.

An external mount ain't gonna be real attractive either.

Carl

 

[condorflysu]

Anyone have a suggestion on where to mount a fire Extinguisher? Just saying!

I have a small extinguisher & First Aid kit onboard in the RRunk...thinking to help out a motorist some day not the :spyder2:dragon I ride. Saving a Spyder that just started to burn could leave more remains for a conclusive forensic study.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I doubt that a fire extinguisher would have done me any good. The fire started under the tupperware so I don't know how I could have gotten to the source.

 

[maliamd]

OK everyone. Boiling gas??? What??? Please explain!:dontknow:

 

[Dan McNally]

I doubt that a fire extinguisher would have done me any good. The fire started under the tupperware so I don't know how I could have gotten to the source.

For a fire extinguisher to work in the situation SpyderAnn01 had, you'd need to get the nozzle inside, somehow . . . and not knowing where the fire was coming from, it still might not work. Perhaps a CO2 extinguisher, shoved into the panel where you inspect the oil might help, if done early, but you'd need to remain up close and personal, right next to a gas tank. I think a paraphrasing of Oliver Goldsmith's poem applies: "For he who fights and runs away may live to ryde another day. "

 

[mob133]

fire extingisher

if my spyder catchs fire please let it burn ,once it starts I think I would want a new one!!!!

 

[JKMSPYDER]

FIRE

After reading about this I bought a fire extinguisher for my Spyder. It might not do any good if a fire was under a panel, but at least I feel better having one.

 

[picthat]

No problems (yet) with my 2013 RT Ltd

Bought mine in May this year and have not noticed any fumes in my garage. I usually pull straight in to the garage after a ride....however, you can bet that I won't be filling it to the top anymore after reading these posts.

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

OK everyone. Boiling gas??? What??? Please explain!:dontknow:

Not as big of a deal as it may sound.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?55006-Okay-now-I-am-paranoid-2012-RTS-SE5-Boiling-gas&highlight=boiling

 

[Ex-Rocket]

Did you know that a 5 lb. fire extinguisher is only good for about 5 seconds of spraying time. No gas fire is going to be out in that time frame especially under the Tupperware.

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

I'm with the others. In the off chance your Spyder or any vehicle catches fire, grab our extinguisher and get as far away as possible. The extinguisher may come in handy to put something else out if need be.

 

[Raknid]

I too am in the "let her burn.." camp - unless it is in the garage. And that is just to save the other bikes and the house. BTW..I get the strong fuel odor when parking in the garage. Think I all let her sit in the driveway to cool for a bit whenever possible.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Did you know that a 5 lb. fire extinguisher is only good for about 5 seconds of spraying time. No gas fire is going to be out in that time frame especially under the Tupperware.

But

I worked for a fire protection contractor in Michigan so you would think I would know something about fire extinguishers but I don't. :yikes: I totoally agree with you on this one though 5 seconds of spraying time wouldn't have done much.

 

[NancysToy]

Fire extinguishers are rated for the water equivalency for Class A fires and the number of square feet of Class B:C fires they can extinguish. Those ratings are based on an open fire, where the extinguisher discharge can be aimed at the base of the flames, with a trained and experienced user. In real life the extiguishers may be less effective. A 1-A:10-B:C extinguisher can extinguish a 10 square foot class B (flammable liquid) fire. A Class C rating means it is also suitable for use on energized electrical equipment. That same extinguisher has the euivalent of 1.25 gallons of water on a Class A (other combustible materials) fire. That isn't very much water to put on burning plastic, rubber, or upholstery BTW. Some extinguishers don't carry a Class A rating at all. The typical small extinguisher for automotive use is not usually Class A rated.

In a race car, the purpose of an on-board extinguisher is to quell the fire long enough for the driver to stop the vehicle and get away safely. Remember that the driver is also wearing a fire suit that can provide protection from the flames and heat for several seconds. Firefighting efforts following the escape of the driver are usually in the interest of cooling the fuel to prevent an explosion, if possible. If it can be safely done, the vehicle may be left to burn, with firefighting efforts from a safe distance being limited to preventing the spread of the fire. A burned vehicle is usually a total loss.

In my opinion, from years of racing, race track first response duties, and safety training, is to stop the vehicle, retreat to a safe distance, and call 911. Trying to access a fire extinguisher and put out the flames yourself, especially where direct access to the source of the flames is limited, is both futile and foolhardy. JMHO

 

[OldCowboy]

:agree: Not much you can do when the fire's under the tupperware.