Fire risk

[Bazza Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bazza]

G'day all,
I think we've all seen pics of the Prado that caught fire from spinifex geting caught-up underneath, but can someone please tell me the exact areas underneath where this can/will happen and any other known details. I have an idea for a inexpensive auto/manual extingwisher system that would douse any fire that may start. Coming from a race car background, I know of many systems that would work, but are way too expensive. My idea would be pocket money cost in comparison.
Bazza.

[VKPrado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close VKPrado]

Re: Fire risk

The catalytic convertor would have to be the hottest spot I think under the vehicle so around that area would be a good spot to start a fire.

[jarrah7rally Member Find all posts View Profile Close jarrah7rally]

Re: Fire risk

I would hesitate a guess at any gap between sump guard & engine as well.

If you crouch down and have a gander there are two grills on the guard to allow airflow on the first trip out of the metro area they were completely blocked (with grasshoppers) so if they can block it then I'm convinced spinifex will easily build up as well.

Just my 2 cents worth

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Fire risk

Above the muffler and between the exhaust/heat shield where the exhaust goes over the rear axle (the gap here is only a finger width, in fact Toyota have wacked a flat spot in the tube to increase the clearance)
The pictures of the burnt Prado on the Canning Stock Route that do the rounds now and then are also here on PP somewhere. This fire started at the rear and I'd suggest from the exhaust area I mentioned. It's close the fuel tank (plastic) and numerous fuel/emission lines (rubber hoses at the tank end)

The only way to deal with spinfex is prevention; A piece of shade cloth hanging down the front of the vehicle with a steel pipe or star dropper cable tied onto the bottom to weigh it down. This will protect the engine bay and the pipe will push the spinifex over and flatten it somewhat. Also regular stops to check/clear out build up (use a long hook made out of thin rod to pull out build up.)

Fire extinguishers are next to useless on packed in spinifex.... sure they put the flames out briefly but spinifex will keep smouldering with almost no oxygen and will soon re-ignite if not dealt with.

A 5lt garden sprayer full of water is your best bet. Cheap, refillable and water is the best thing for soaking out smouldering spinifex. Best of all it lasts all trip (assuming you carry extra water)

Fire extinguishers don't last long (only 10's of seconds really) and are best kept as a last resort.

Mick