flintnexus

I recently replaced my coke cable and the other day when i was driving it caught on fire. Has anyone else seen this and do you know the cause.

gsl-se addict

iTrader: (3)

Make sure the battery is placed so the the (-) terminal is closest to the front of the car. Secure the battery. You could also try to get a cover for the (+) terminal.

I had the same thing happen (but worse) in the SA I used to own. The previous owner didn't secure the battery and the (+) terminal was closest to the front of the car. I was driving in the rain, hit a pot hole, and everything died (headlights, engine, etc.) The choke, accelerator, and hot start assist cables all became resistors. One melted the fuel line and caught the engine on fire (I got the fire out. Damage was minimal). Because of the battery being that way, it cost me over $400 to fix (tow, new battery, new accerator cable, choke cable, hot start assist, other wiring, etc.). Check the battery and make sure it is the way that I mentioned. Both you and I were lucky. Fire+Fuel=Bad. Please get it fixed.

Kent

mortenf

I had the same thing happen to me, battery not secured properly made the main fuse catch on fire. It melted and everything died, had to roll on to a parking lot. To make things even better, there was a Audi/VW meeting at the parking lot at the same time...

Secure that battery folks, it can do more harm than you think!

64mgb

iTrader: (1)

This could also be just a bad ground to the engine. If you don't have a good ground strap to provide ground to the engine, anything metallic will be used...in this case the choke cable, and it's not designed to handle that kind of current.

flintnexus

Ok so now that i go out there and look at it during daylight and knowing what to look for b/c of the posts you guuys are right i was arcing to my hood arm. What should i look for as far as other damaged items?

flintnexus

also im missing the entire battery holder assembly does anyone know where i can get/ how i can make one?

John64

Victoria British will have one for you.

gsl-se addict

iTrader: (3)

I believe autozone has universal battery holders if you need something sooner. The main thing is to make sure the (-) terminal is closest to the front of the car and that you get something to hold the battery down (even a rubber bungee cord will work until you get the replacement holder). The choke cable may be the only damage. Check the accelerator cable and hot start assist cables too, to see if they are melted.