Unbeknownst to me, the 3/8 rubber fuel line popped off the mechanical fuel pump overnight.
I fired her up, she ran until I assume all the fuel was out of the carb. Not knowing the problem I hit it again, heard pff pff. I was only half saddle in the seat as I was just warming her up while I loaded more tools for the day. Looked down and saw flames! Jumped out and frantically fiddled with the extinguisher clasp. Hit the flames from underneath and the flames came back. Reached in with great concern for my own health to unclasp the hood. Finished off the can.
For a few seconds I stood in relief before hearing the dreaded sound of flames regaining their breath. I felt the warmth on my face as I turned into a dead sprint for the garden hose. Took out 5 plants as I ripped the hose across the yard. All the time praying that it wasn't frozen and that the pressure just needed time to build before blessing me with water.

Some deformed connections, melted vacuum lines, one wire that is completely stripped and I don't know where it terminates.
I fixed the fuel line, she fired right up.

Now, is there a way to locate a rogue spark?
I'd like to find out what ignited the fuel. I tried misting all the electrical connections with water, as suggested by a friend, but i can't tell with all the leaves rustling around what noise is what. Any other techniques?

If I know the fuel line is safely secured, should it be ok to drive again or must I find the fire ignition source before I can say she's safe?

 

This is the connection to the right slot on the Davis ignition. It has a brown wire still intact. I'm not certain as I can't find the installation instructions but I think the 1 wire that was stripped bare belongs here too.
Surprisingly I think the factory wrap saved a lot. It cracked apart and the wires look to be intact.

 

Ack! I'm sorry to see that, but I'm glad the damage wasn't extensive and that you had a fire extinguisher on hand! It could have been much much worse.

I don't recall exactly on the DUI but you could contact them and I'm sure they'd help you out. Send pictures in an email. Every time I've needed help from them, they're really responsive.

As for the rogue spark, I've heard/read that if you pull it into a garage (or wait until the moon is at its darkest), turn out all the lights, and get it pitch black. Then fire up the engine and look under the hood. You should be able to see a spark if there is one.

Otherwise, I think it'd be safe to drive if you get everything patched up. The fuel leak is what really caused the issue.

On another note, I enjoyed your vivid story.

 

What does that braded line go to and for?
Hope not the fuel line and is using hose clamps to hold it on!
I have had braded line go bad (dry out) and leak thru the brad. This was older never used braded hose. I could not see it dried out thru the brad.
I also ONLY USE the right type screw/flare fittings and NOT HOSE CLAMPS.


If that cant be done bend a metal line to run from pump to carb like stock and use short rubber hoses and clamps like the factory did.
You can also see when the out side dries out and can change before they leak.


IIRc the only wire needed to run an HEI dist. is 12 volts to it.
Only other wire maybe a tach wire. The other wires plugged into it I think are from the coil.


As for the fire starter: It is not the liquid but the fumes that started the fire and that spark or even heat could have lit it off.
That spark could have been from under the dist. cap, add fumes and bang.....FIRE!


Leaking plug wires could be another. Once you have every thing fixed and motor running again at night and your spray bottle of water mist the wires and because it is dark should make it easier to see any rouge sparks.
Dave ----

 

AB, glad you enjoyed it. The experience left me lucid for the day. Went to Walmart today and replaced my extinguisher with a larger version. The extra volume makes me feel a little better with the possibility of a hose not being handy. It was a lot cheaper than the fancy chrome one that helped save my truck.
I remember thinking, "I'll never use this but it looks cool"!!!

Fuzz, that was a braided fuel line and most definitely the cause of the failure. I recently replaced my offey dp with a "C" and my old setup no longer worked. The different carb orientation forced me to use what I had in the garage at the time., a braided line. I didn't like it but figured it'd work. It did for a month. My best guess is that the added weight from the braid put stress on the nipple to the point that it popped. It would lay down along the valve cover at a weird angle but I never thought it'd work itself off.
I have about 2 feet of the factory bent line, exactly as you explained, that I previously used before the factory fuel pump went out. Or at least the pump that came with the truck when I got it. For the life of me I couldn't get the line off when I installed the new pump. I just screwed a hose fitting to the new pump with a standard clamp. Set the old pump and line on the shelf and told myself I may get back to that and get it off someday. Guess that day has
come.

I now have a much healthier respect for proper fuel containment. Make sure you don't have a leak because there are a thousand things in there that can make a spark!

 

Believe it or not, in the automotive environment motor oil is probably a bigger fire hazard than fuel, or can be. Fuel often evaporates right away, thankfully. Oil won't, and it burns for a long time once it gets going. I've seen enough here at FTE and elsewhere though to remove as much rubber fuel hose as possible, replace what cannot, and always carry a fire extinguisher.