PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

oldtrucker · #26 05-22-2014, 07:36 PM

Interesting,
I can't make up my mind as to the cause of the fire.
All the debris lying around seems to have burned an older wood garage to the ground. And, yes I see the Ramps too. Also, the blue car in the background got hit.
In a weather condition as such, a nearby lightning strike could come to mind, but it would have to be really nearby. Likely, it could have been a Human error.

CAUTION: As we all know, I hope, a fuel to air mixture at the ratio of 14.7:1 is the most combustion happy. Therefore, a fuel tank that is near empty, might as well meet this condition (another reason to have a working purge valve) and is actually more dangerous as a full tank. The fuel auto ignition temperature is between 246 - 280 C or 475 - 536 F while fuel mixed with air, has a much lower flash point temperature, which depends on it's ratio and the amount of O2 etc. of course.

One can overdo it, by grounding the chassis to a metal water pipe or so, before starting to exchange the filter. In my opinion, it is essential to disconnect the battery whenever work is done, that involves fuel. Grounding would add safety to the process, but I think is not necessary.
Also, keep in mind that your vehicle can charge to several thousand volts on a long drive in dry, dusty condition. Guess, many of us have experience that jolt (ESD) while locking the doors after a long drive.

Also, a non insulated wire, shorted out to the chassis, causing a little tiny ark near the fuel saturated area and your car and perhaps you, are history.
That's the other mystery, a blast like this, we don't know, but anyone that was working there, would be toasted, unless dripping fuel got ignited and a slow burn started to further evolve into that blast. I am using toasted loosely and no disrespect to the person that might have gotten hurt in the blast.

These are my two cents!