Carb Fire Risk?, Need advice about carbs and air filters Options

[NickFBrown]

I'm considering a '73 1.7 that some idiot put a single carb conversion on. It would be no problem a put on dual carbs instead BUT my last 914 burned when the right air filter caught fire (backfire?). It normally never backfired but this was on a hot restart after being stuck in stopped traffic on a very hot day.

Has anyone heard of this happening with dual Webers using the typical open sided air filters? I know there must be thousands of cars with this set-up. So, am I worrying for no reason.

Nick (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[Superhawk996]

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914’s aren’t anymore prone to fires than any other car of similar vintage.

My first 914 was converted to dual Webers and K&N style filters. Drove that vehicle more than 100,000 miles without even a hint of a fire.

Now if you neglect maintenance, and drive around with a backfiring engine, you’re going to be eventually have a fire. I’ve seen it happen on a v8 engine lighting up a paper air filter. So what? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Don’t do that.

The reality is that if you spend any amount of time looking at pictures of engine bays on this site, you can probably spot two or three fire risks in any given car. In general people don’t take the risk of engine fires seriously . . . Until it is too late.

Bad ideas:
Running carbs without the Bakelite insulators to keep heat out of the carbs.

Routing fuel lines close to exhausts & fuel lines rubbing on other things.

Fuel pressure gauges, pressure regulators and excess fittings in the engine compartment.

Failing to inspect and maintain fuel lines regularly; let’s call it a couple times a year.

Failing to keep valves adjusted

If were you, I’d do some self evaluation of what led up to your fire and make sure you’re willing to commit to not making the same mistakes again. We would love to see you in another 914!