Engine Bay spark source??

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 7:26 pm

Where would a spark originate from under the hood with no spark plugs in motor and coil wire disconnected from wire set?

Car in question is E30 325i.

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:01 pm

what the hell are you talking about kevin?

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:25 pm

Ugh, I some how started a fire trying to check some fuel injectors. :shock:

Here's a link to the story. This is turning into a drama of epic proportions.

http://spece30.com/component/option,com ... itstart,0/

JamesMilko · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:26 pm

Injector body to ground? Not sure if they get enough current to actually throw a spark.

Nevermind, looks like everything is plastic there on an e30.

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:35 pm

I talked to Vitacco. I had unhooked the coil from from the spark plug harness. I didn't take the wires supplying voltage to the coil loose.

We think the coil sparked, starting the fire.

The only other electrical connection in the vicinity of the spray area is where the battery cable connection to the starter is made. Those connections are tight.

I got one injector left to check, but am a little rattled and gun shy about trying to test again.

Did I ever mention that electricity is not my friend?

Jason Mauldin · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:45 pm

Any loose electrical connection can spark. The connecotrs don't even have to be pulled apart. They can just be worn and no longer have a solide connection.

Get a CO2 extinguisher when working with gasoline.

WalterHouston · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:48 pm

Has Kevin mentioned he smokes crack! :lol:

Kevin, you come up with the craziest $#!+ I've ever heard. :roll:

You need to be more like Remchak. Just drive and let somebody else work on your car.

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 8:58 pm

Walter, this is for you :nana:

No alcohol or crack was involved!

steve remchak · **Posted:** Tue May 18, 2010 10:50 pm

Kevin Butler wrote:

Walter, this is for you :nana:

No alcohol or crack was involved!

yeah but i did call Kevin today about 2PM. cursed? naaahh!!!!

be the BOOT Kevin........ nananananananana

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Wed May 19, 2010 7:09 am

steve remchak wrote:

be the BOOT Kevin

Better to be the BOOT than receive the BOOT!

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Wed May 19, 2010 7:35 am

was the engine hot? if you sprayed gas on hot manifold it could ignite. your probably right about the coil that seems like the most likely source.. FYI treating a capacitor (coil) the the way you did is a good way to kill it.

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Wed May 19, 2010 11:08 am

Engine was cold. First car with an old skool coil. Now I know what not to do. Makes ya feel like T. Edison.

Sean O'Connell · **Posted:** Wed May 19, 2010 8:46 pm

Kevin Butler wrote:

Makes ya feel like T. Edison.

i think you mean the caveman that invented fire. i'm sure i'm not the only one who wants to see pics of the toasty engine compartment, so post em up

WalterHouston · **Posted:** Wed May 19, 2010 10:10 pm

Kevin usually works in his garage. I want to see photos of the garage, if it is still there! :lol:

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Thu May 20, 2010 6:55 am

Fortunately, no real damage occurred. The bath towel I was squirting the injectors onto caught on fire. I got it out in the yard in less than 2 seconds.

The passenger side strut tower got slightly smoked up. One of the plastic injector tips got burned/melted pretty good. Replaced it with a tip from an old injector.

Finally after 2 weeks, I got the car running. A set of injectors I paid to have cleaned and calibrated had 3 bad ones. Gonna bust ass all day and try to be at VIR by 6:00 tomorrow a.m.

:woo:

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Engine Bay spark source??

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