2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission under hood fire

[BobS]

stock 96 truck, returned from 120 mile run, pulled in for fuel and smoke was coming from under the hood. Lifted hood and found the heat shield/noise blanket under the hood smoldering above the valve cover area. Temps on the turbo were normal the entire run,5-700°F. No large hills or loads. the missing (burned)of the heat shield was perhaps 24" dia. Pulled across the street to the fire station and went inside to get a fire extinguisher, They asked what the troubelwas and I told them it was an engine fire. They asked where and I said right outside. That got their attention and they hosed it out.



Any ideas on what started this? The heat shield was not drooping. The exhaust manifold is shielded with tubing, the area above the turbo was not burned, the area near the firewall" relays and electrics was not burned. Can't figure it out.

Next problem is where to get a replacement, what it will cost and what happens if I don't replace it.

 

[VicR]

When we are camping or traveling, I have a little 'check the truck over' routine I do before we start out each morning. One morning a few years ago I found a nice little pile of twigs stuffed up by the valve cover. I figure some little ground critter liked the cummins to and tried to build a house on it overnight. It was late fall at Grand Canyon so they might have been attracted to the heat as the engine cooled down. Anyway, I suspect the twigs could have caught fire if I hadn't removed them. Never did see the culprit. You weren't coming back from a camping trip, were you???





-Vic

 

[FTwardoch]

Father in law had that happen last winter hunt - parked truck for 3 days, was leaving camp and started smelling fire... ... ... ... ..... turns out a mouse or other critter built a temporary home on the exhaust manifold.

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i feel bad for that mouse... . but hey atleast he had good taste... . lol

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I have a little 'check the vehicle over' whenever I buy a new/different vehicle... part of that check involves removing the underhood blanket and throwing it in the nearest dumpster.



Forrest

 

[2broke2smoke]

same here Forrest

livin' out in the country you never know what your gonna find under the hood

 

[redram]

Or one of our fine smoker's in the USA (not chevies or fords) threw out a still burning cigarette butt that found it's way into the engine compartment through the grill opening and lodged in the fibers of the hood insulation.

 

[Bill Lins]

Or one of our fine smoker's in the USA (not chevies or fords) threw out a still burning cigarette butt that found it's way into the engine compartment through the grill opening and lodged in the fibers of the hood insulation.

Weren't me! My cigar butts are too big to go through the grille!



Redram- you going to Kerrville?