Almost went up in flames

[korg20000bc]

So there I was driving my 2a home at dusk the other night when suddenly- No power, all lights out, no ignition... nothing.
I manage to let momentum get me to the side of the road. Besides looking out for UFO's I try to work out what it could be.
I spy smoke coming out from under the bonnet and open it up quick-smart. The bonnet strut has managed to drop down and is resting on both poles of the battery and it glowing red hot. I found a handy block of wood and knocked the strut off the poles as it had spot welded itself into position. The battery ignited but I was able to blow the flame out. Thankfully I had a pair of riggers gloves on the front seat and removed the strut.

Spent Saturday replacing the starter solenoid which was kaput. Also various wires that had melted their coatings.

Thing is- it is now running better and starts easier than it ever had before.

[MacMan]

YOIKES!

I recall someone telling me something about VWs having a propensity to make fire when the seat springs touch down on the battery.

You're lucky it was only a battery fire rather than a fuel fire. Lifting the bonnet on a fuel fire is a seriously risky business.

[Land-Rover]

a battery starting fires wouldn't be a good feeling for a defender driver...

[vnx205]

a battery starting fires wouldn't be a good feeling for a defender driver...

It would be even worse for the passenger.

EDIT: Unless I am wrong in assuming that other model Defenders have the battery on the same side as mine.

[1976_michelle]

recipe for heart attack...
I had BBQ through the vents of my old ford a few months ago..
Turns out the old boy who owned before me used to park beneath a tree all the time, and the area around the air conditioner condenser or something, was full of leaf litter which ignited. After changing my undies I googled the issue, found the answer and booked car in to have it cleaned out. My mechanic looked at me strangely first, but when I went to pick the car up he shook his head and said I was lucky we didn't burn out entirely. Saved all the bits on the mat for me to see the mess lol

[geodon]

VW's (Beetles etc) had a metal cap over the battery & so, if fitted, prevented the frying of lard-arses.

Their MAJOR propensity for self-immolation was due to the push on (ie no hose clips) fuel lines esp to the carby which allowed fuel to dribble onto the generator & ignite via the arcing brushes. The FACTORY fabric coated 8mm fuel line was safe but ppl replaced it with non-standard imperial stuff & paid the price.