Air filter fire

ctvpa

ctvpa

Senior Member
I know we have all heard of this, but to see it is awful. My friend was following me. Next thing we saw was flames out the side of his hood, about 3 feet in the air.

He said he was driving along, everything was fine, started downhill, and the engine popped and next thing flames.

It was the same story, little drips from the carb, absorbed by the paper, and when he downshifted, a little backfire, and poof.

Minimal damage, and he had his extinguisher right with him.
 
That's why I stopped running a paper element air cleaner on either of my "A's"! My '29 has one of those so-called "High-boy" filter set-ups with the K&N element. And, the '31 had has no filter set-up. The '31 is under going some rebuilding and once back on the road. I may put an air cleaner on it too.:cool:

Good to here your bud and his "A" came through O'Kay.:)

Bob-A:D
 
the metal screen type is much safer if you desire to run one. its never good to have paper below (sea level) fuel level of the carb bowl
important for everyone to carry an extinguisher
 
Never shut off your engine with a carburetor fire. The running engine will suck the flames back in. Most of them, anyway.
MIKE :)
 
Mike you are so right. One of the first lessons you get from a flying instructor.
Full power and switch the fuel of.
 
I run no screen or filter, I think the size of the mosquitos around here,it add's to the octane, you feel a little power burst now and then!

My good friend is going to help me put on an exhaust whistle soon! WOOT WOOT!

Did the gentleman have to get toe'd home?
 
spdway1 said:
I run no screen or filter, I think the size of the mosquitos around here,it add's to the octane, you feel a little power burst now and then!

My good friend is going to help me put on an exhaust whistle soon! WOOT WOOT!

Did the gentleman have to get toe'd home?
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Thank heavens that a kind hearted, compassionate man with a flatbed stopped by and helped our wounded member. There are not many people like that around any more.
 
We had a member on his way to a seminar, at another members garage, that caught on fire and it scorched the hood pretty bad. I personally like the sucky sound of no air filter. Not very often I'm in dusty situation. 25,000 miles and no noticeable wear, when I had the head off! Knock on wood!
 
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Regarding the air cleaner, I run an Air-Maze on my '30 Roadster as I live on a dirt road and don't want to cause cylinder damage from "inhaling" dust. What's the opinion on "dusting" an engine versus the risk of a fire?
Unfortunately, I have been stopped at the side of the road a couple of times, but both times there were folks stopped within a few short minutes to see if they could help. Thank goodness for the people who love old cars and just want to help.
 
The filter paper under the carburetor, I never liked. I have the fine-wire mesh filter installed and commissioned a little fire extinguisher on board.
This gives me a better feeling.
Greetings from Switzerland
Barney
 

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FL&WVMIKE said:
Never shut off your engine with a carburetor fire. The running engine will suck the flames back in. Most of them, anyway.
MIKE :)
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That is good info and even if you do shut your engine off just cranking it will still do the same, but thats not easy to do in a panic situation
 
Just posted this on the B carburetor question.

If one wants to filter air in what appears to be a much safer installation, setting the air filter "above" the carburetor where it cannot get soaked with dripping fuel makes sense.

Had one Model A cracked gas line at carburetor fire 54 years ago -- not fun -- smotherd the flames with thick green clover found on the side of the road -- luckily it was spring time with green grass & not winter with dead grass.

Carrying part of a wool blanket to use as a fire blanket under under one's Model A seat is not a bad idea.

Some posted earlier that this item does not fit well -- never beleive "all" that I read or hear -- tried it -- followed directions to tighten connections -- worked fine -- maybe not even required, but later ordered & an even larger,(taller) K & N filter for more air flow & also for not having to clean filter as often.

Go on ebay & contact this nice gentleman in the ebay Questions Section -- he can send, (& I already bought), adapters for both B carburetors & "all" types of A carburetors:

At one time or another, all Model A carburetors will drip fuel if the choke is used -- saving one life or one Model A is important in my opinion..

His ad below describes his filtering system -- pictures on ebay.




The "Original Hi-Boy" Air Filter System for your Model "A" Ford
Discounted Shipping and Handling
The Hi-Boy air filter system for the Model "A" Ford features a high-flow filter element that provides 65% more air flow than the standard or slightly modified Model "A" engine requires. The filter element is held above the carburetor where gas can not wick into the element as can happen with filter systems that hang below the carburetor. The metal snorkel is designed allow filtered air to flow smoothly into the carburetor with a minimum of obstruction. The Hi-Boy can be attached to Zenith, Tillotson, Marvel carburetors and may fit on other aftermarket carburetors without the need to make alterations to Henry's stock automobile. The filter element is washable and rechargeable for years of continued service and stays cleaner longer positioned above the road dirt. A quality addition to your Model "A" Ford that will improve engine life and add value to your driving experience.

Makes a great gift for the your Model A enthusiast
who has everything.

If you are running a "B" carburetor on your Model "A" let me know...I can provide a larger diameter connector hose to accommodate the larger throat at no additional charge. This unit is not for a Right Hand Drive Model "A", but I have one available. Contact me at for more information.
 
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That happened to me, paper filter caught on fire and the smoke stalled te engine. Luckily had a couple of bottle waters in the car and put it out. I went straight to the store and bought a fire extinguisher and won't run paper filters! a lesson learned!
 
Barney said:
The filter paper under the carburetor, I never liked. I have the fine-wire mesh filter installed and commissioned a little fire extinguisher on board.
This gives me a better feeling.
Greetings from Switzerland
Barney
Click to expand...

Any idea of where this is available in the US ?
 
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