Another Bird fire
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11-27-2009, 13:20
Post: #21
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Another Bird fire
Glad you found some suspicious wiring practices.
R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, tX 92WB40 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbulriss" <mbulriss@...> wrote: > > Hmmm, my inspection of my wiring over the last few weeks discovered a similar thing: someone, presumably Bird, routed a ground cable directly together with the positive cables and it was tie wrapped all along its length and right down on top of a stud connecting two positive cable lugs together!!! That was along the heat shield between the engine and batteries. Luckily the stud had a rubber boot that was on cockeyed, but had protected the ground cable. I am going back and look one more time for any more of those. > > Mike Bulriss > 1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan" > San Antonio, TX > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Elliot > > > > > > Checked mine and one of the negative cables was stretched tight enough that the screw head on the positive clamp had vibrated through the plastic sheath. Wouldn't take much more to dead short across that battery! > > > > Elliot > > 1995 WLWB 40 > > RARA AVIS > > NW, Illinois > > > > > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: ronmarabito2002 > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > Sent: Thu, Nov 26, 2009 8:05 pm > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Another Bird fire > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sorry to hear of the loss of anyones coach. I warned the forum after mine to check these cables and apparently it just went right by everyone. What a shame. I sure hope everyone gets out there and checks these cables now. > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ernie E" > > > > > > I am wondering, since there have been 3 fires with the 90s coaches, that if the battery cables are being chaffed behind the main battery bank. Since the coaches involved were 92, 94 and 95 models, those with coaches of this era might want to check the routing of these cables. > > > This is too much of a coincidence and may have taken these many years to wear thru. > > > Fortunately, nobody in all 3 coaches were hurt. > > > Ernie- 83PT40 in New River, Az > > > > > > |
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11-27-2009, 13:31
Post: #22
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Another Bird fire
Depending on how good the Fire Inspector was, they make a lot of assumptions
that don't necessarily hold true. As for the insurance people, mine was about as ignorant about what he was looking at as I would be about diagnosing cancer in the human body. Again, let me remind you that I saw the problem beginning to end and with some help of a good samaritan, actually put out the fire. The insurance adjuster tried to tell me that mine started in the front. The shorted wire in the front was a result of the loss of insulation on the wire that fried from the dead short behind the house batteries where the wires were actually burned in two. R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > > I think it should be pretty obvious that all high-amperage, unfused > battery cables ought to be checked carefully. > That would include the house batteries -- in a '95 those are contained > in the rear-most curb-side compartment and on a tray by the engine. In > addition, there are 3 engine batteries above the 2 house batteries > near the engine. > > The house batteries are wired to a general distribution panel on the > curb side of the firewall. The engine batteries are wired to the > engine -- but also have a connection to the house batteries (as you > can tie them together with a switch on the dash). > > The Bakersfield fire _might_ have been caused by a short from the > house batteries and/or the firewall distribution panel. (We await > further word from the fire inspector and/or insurance adjuster.) > > Randy's fire was caused by a dead short in the front most, street side > compartment, where the battery cable (running 40-some feet from the > curb-side rear to the street side front-most compartment) that serves > the generator starter motor. Apparently, from the report of the fire > inspector and insurance adjuster, it appears that the insulation had > been compromised where the heavy cable passed over a frame rail. > > We all may have been a little complacent over the 12v systems, since > 12 v current rarely causes much of a fire or electrocution issue. It's > easy to forget just how much potential amperage that the batteries can > release in a dead short. > > The suggestion to install a high-amperage (slow acting) fuse on the > batteries makes a lot of sense. A slow acting fuse is required since > things like the engine and generator starter motor can draw a brief, > very high amperage burst -- and you don't want to blow the fuse. But a > short would cause a longer drain, and would blow the fuse. > > Of course, a careful inspection of all the high-amperage wires is > called for. Unfortunately, wires may pass through areas where visible > inspection is difficult or impossible. (Mirrors mounted to extension > handles and flashlights would be quite useful.) Even so, it's likely > that there are places where thorough inspection will prove impossible. > (Which simply increases the importance of fusing the batteries.) > > Another 'wise' modification would be to install a high-amperage switch > to completely isolate the batteries from the coach. Marine supplies > sell such switches for boats and they can be adapted to motorhome use > quite easily. The added advantage of such a switch would be to ensure > that all phantom loads (which BBs have in abundance) would be cut off, > allowing longer storage periods without a charger on the batteries. > > In the Bakersfield situation, it's hard to discern how the fire might > have been avoided. The owner reported that he'd inspected the wires > (as best as he could) after hearing about Randy's fire. It is unlikely > that any of us would have shut off all the batteries while in a nearby > restaurant for dinner -- but fuses _might_ have saved the coach, had > they been installed. (Then, again, pending a final determination of > the cause of the fire, it might not have been effective.) > > Pete Masterson > (former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > El Sobrante CA > aeonix1@... > > > > > On Nov 26, 2009, at 6:31 PM, Ernie Ekberg wrote: > > > > > > > Where I observed was the batteries on the curbside, close to the > > firewall of the engine compartment > > > > Ernie Ekberg > > 83PT40 > > Wanderlodge > > Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 > > http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/erni...gandrepair > > > > > > --- On Thu, 11/26/09, SteveQ > > > > From: SteveQ > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Another Bird fire > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > > Date: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 8:27 PM > > > > Ron, Ernie > > > > Are you refering to the house batteries or the three engine > > batteries when you say main battery bank? I looked at everything > > after Randy's fire but will give it another CLOSER look when I get > > back to Texas next month. > > > > Steve Quandt > > 1993 PT-40 > > Cold in Iron Mountain, Mi > > Coach enjoying warm weather in Marble Falls TX > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "ronmarabito2002" > > > > > > > > > > > Sorry to hear of the loss of anyones coach. I warned the forum > > after mine to check these cables and apparently it just went right > > by everyone. What a shame. I sure hope everyone gets out there and > > checks these cables now. > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "Ernie E" > > wrote: > > > > > > > > I am wondering, since there have been 3 fires with the 90s > > coaches, that if the battery cables are being chaffed behind the > > main battery bank. Since the coaches involved were 92, 94 and 95 > > models, those with coaches of this era might want to check the > > routing of these cables. > > > > This is too much of a coincidence and may have taken these many > > years to wear thru. > > > > Fortunately, nobody in all 3 coaches were hurt. > > > > Ernie- 83PT40 in New River, Az > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > |
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11-27-2009, 13:33
Post: #23
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Another Bird fire
Excellent rebuttal Bob, and the high resistance shorts can, proved my Ron's
Coach, like an electric burner on a stove, before burning in two. Safe travels, Ralph & Charolette Fullenwider '84 FC 35 "Ruff Diamond" Duncan, Oklahoma At 12:35 AM 11/28/2009 +0000, you wrote: >Exellent comments Pete, but readers should be cautioned that fuses in high >amperage cables may not provide complete protection. Consider a 200 amp >fuse placed to protect a main DC supply cable. An insulation breach can >start slowly and generate a great deal of heat without popping the >fuse. In areas where engine heat, oil, and abrasion are present, the >resistance of insulation can break down and start generating heat long >before there is a full metal-to-metal short. By the time the breach gets >bad enough to pop the 200 amp fuse enough heat may have been generated to >start a fire. > >Fuses are very important, but vigilant inspection is a must for safety. > >Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA > > >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > > > > I think it should be pretty obvious that all high-amperage, unfused > > battery cables ought to be checked carefully. > > That would include the house batteries -- in a '95 those are contained > > in the rear-most curb-side compartment and on a tray by the engine. In > > addition, there are 3 engine batteries above the 2 house batteries > > near the engine. > > > > The house batteries are wired to a general distribution panel on the > > curb side of the firewall. The engine batteries are wired to the > > engine -- but also have a connection to the house batteries (as you > > can tie them together with a switch on the dash). > > > > The Bakersfield fire _might_ have been caused by a short from the > > house batteries and/or the firewall distribution panel. (We await > > further word from the fire inspector and/or insurance adjuster.) > > > > Randy's fire was caused by a dead short in the front most, street side > > compartment, where the battery cable (running 40-some feet from the > > curb-side rear to the street side front-most compartment) that serves > > the generator starter motor. Apparently, from the report of the fire > > inspector and insurance adjuster, it appears that the insulation had > > been compromised where the heavy cable passed over a frame rail. > > > > We all may have been a little complacent over the 12v systems, since > > 12 v current rarely causes much of a fire or electrocution issue. It's > > easy to forget just how much potential amperage that the batteries can > > release in a dead short. > > > > The suggestion to install a high-amperage (slow acting) fuse on the > > batteries makes a lot of sense. A slow acting fuse is required since > > things like the engine and generator starter motor can draw a brief, > > very high amperage burst -- and you don't want to blow the fuse. But a > > short would cause a longer drain, and would blow the fuse. > > > > Of course, a careful inspection of all the high-amperage wires is > > called for. Unfortunately, wires may pass through areas where visible > > inspection is difficult or impossible. (Mirrors mounted to extension > > handles and flashlights would be quite useful.) Even so, it's likely > > that there are places where thorough inspection will prove impossible. > > (Which simply increases the importance of fusing the batteries.) > > > > Another 'wise' modification would be to install a high-amperage switch > > to completely isolate the batteries from the coach. Marine supplies > > sell such switches for boats and they can be adapted to motorhome use > > quite easily. The added advantage of such a switch would be to ensure > > that all phantom loads (which BBs have in abundance) would be cut off, > > allowing longer storage periods without a charger on the batteries. > > > > In the Bakersfield situation, it's hard to discern how the fire might > > have been avoided. The owner reported that he'd inspected the wires > > (as best as he could) after hearing about Randy's fire. It is unlikely > > that any of us would have shut off all the batteries while in a nearby > > restaurant for dinner -- but fuses _might_ have saved the coach, had > > they been installed. (Then, again, pending a final determination of > > the cause of the fire, it might not have been effective.) > > > > Pete Masterson > > (former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 > > El Sobrante CA > > aeonix1@... > > > |
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11-27-2009, 14:07
Post: #24
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Another Bird fire
I insinuate that it is a failure to label a hypothesis a conclusion. All you do
is gain a false security. To point at a bus still smoking and say 'I told you so' proves you still need validation of your theory. I doubt you believe it yourself. I bet if you look you can find the short Greg 94ptca always checking my shorts --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > Sorry Greg, but the fact is: it was the battery cables and not other issues in my case. Absolutely not damage to anything else except the cables and shunts. Having looked very close at my damage, it was pretty obvious what hat taken place. > > Curious about you thinking I didn't learn anything from the engine re-build. Just exactly what are you incinuating? > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gregory O" > > > > I dont think our advice went past everyone without a review, especially Rob. I dont think your issues were limited to the single ground short at the battery box and bet Robs was not the same failure. I also dont think you have corrected all the issues with your coach as it is now. You didnt learn with the engine rebuild . now with the rewire of your rig leaving many more mods and changes, chances are there is a next problem waiting to happen. I suspect Rob will do like Randy and not hide opinion and review in fear of conflicting with the best return on an insurance claim. > > > > There is a heat sheild on the curb/manifold of the 8v92 that keeps hot air off of the start batteries. problem is there is a blank spot that leaves the mess of wires exposed to the heat on the fire-wall behind the batteries. on my and several rigs the plastic loom protectors are melted and removed. I was thinking of closing this area off with a thin sheet of metal but wonder if it will obstruct necessary movement of air past the engine. I may just wrap the wire area with a fabric heat schield????? (This manifold heat is the same heat that takes out the pressure protection valve for the bulk oil, which is on the manifold side of the heat shield) > > > > there are two commercial jump start lugs as you open the rear engine bay door to the right. the positive should be covered with a rubber boot > > > > batteries blow up, maybe there is too much fuel of wire insulation around this area and the batteries need a box or cover???? > > > > Greg > > 94ptca > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > > > > > > > > Sorry to hear of the loss of anyones coach. I warned the forum after mine to check these cables and apparently it just went right by everyone. What a shame. I sure hope everyone gets out there and checks these cables now. > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ernie E" > > > > > > > > I am wondering, since there have been 3 fires with the 90s coaches, that if the battery cables are being chaffed behind the main battery bank. Since the coaches involved were 92, 94 and 95 models, those with coaches of this era might want to check the routing of these cables. > > > > This is too much of a coincidence and may have taken these many years to wear thru. > > > > Fortunately, nobody in all 3 coaches were hurt. > > > > Ernie- 83PT40 in New River, Az > > > > > > > > > > |
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11-27-2009, 15:21
Post: #25
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Another Bird fire
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11-27-2009, 17:34
Post: #26
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Another Bird fire
Bob:
You hit the nail on the head. Fusing can help in some situations, and fusing should be considered by the size of wire, type of wire and the load supplied. Putting in a large fuse thinking that when a short ciruit happens the fuse will blow is believing is false security. Bill 1984 Fc35Sb "$quanderlodge" (HIS) 1988 40WB XXV "Anniversary Special Edition" (HERS) Terrace, B.C. Canada eh Reclaim your name @ymail.com or @rocketmail.com. Get your new email address now! |
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11-28-2009, 06:07
Post: #27
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Another Bird fire
what he say??
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gregory O" > > I insinuate that it is a failure to label a hypothesis a conclusion. All you do is gain a false security. To point at a bus still smoking and say 'I told you so' proves you still need validation of your theory. I doubt you believe it yourself. I bet if you look you can find the short > > Greg > 94ptca > always checking my shorts > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > > > Sorry Greg, but the fact is: it was the battery cables and not other issues in my case. Absolutely not damage to anything else except the cables and shunts. Having looked very close at my damage, it was pretty obvious what hat taken place. > > > > Curious about you thinking I didn't learn anything from the engine re-build. Just exactly what are you incinuating? > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gregory O" > > > > > > I dont think our advice went past everyone without a review, especially Rob. I dont think your issues were limited to the single ground short at the battery box and bet Robs was not the same failure. I also dont think you have corrected all the issues with your coach as it is now. You didnt learn with the engine rebuild . now with the rewire of your rig leaving many more mods and changes, chances are there is a next problem waiting to happen. I suspect Rob will do like Randy and not hide opinion and review in fear of conflicting with the best return on an insurance claim. > > > > > > There is a heat sheild on the curb/manifold of the 8v92 that keeps hot air off of the start batteries. problem is there is a blank spot that leaves the mess of wires exposed to the heat on the fire-wall behind the batteries. on my and several rigs the plastic loom protectors are melted and removed. I was thinking of closing this area off with a thin sheet of metal but wonder if it will obstruct necessary movement of air past the engine. I may just wrap the wire area with a fabric heat schield????? (This manifold heat is the same heat that takes out the pressure protection valve for the bulk oil, which is on the manifold side of the heat shield) > > > > > > there are two commercial jump start lugs as you open the rear engine bay door to the right. the positive should be covered with a rubber boot > > > > > > batteries blow up, maybe there is too much fuel of wire insulation around this area and the batteries need a box or cover???? > > > > > > Greg > > > 94ptca > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > Sorry to hear of the loss of anyones coach. I warned the forum after mine to check these cables and apparently it just went right by everyone. What a shame. I sure hope everyone gets out there and checks these cables now. > > > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ernie E" > > > > > > > > > > I am wondering, since there have been 3 fires with the 90s coaches, that if the battery cables are being chaffed behind the main battery bank. Since the coaches involved were 92, 94 and 95 models, those with coaches of this era might want to check the routing of these cables. > > > > > This is too much of a coincidence and may have taken these many years to wear thru. > > > > > Fortunately, nobody in all 3 coaches were hurt. > > > > > Ernie- 83PT40 in New River, Az > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > |
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11-30-2009, 13:19
Post: #28
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Another Bird fire
Duh..
Bob Lawrence 84 PT36 If I just figger out where I'm in Georgia.. --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "cape0001" > > what he say?? > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gregory O" > > > > I insinuate that it is a failure to label a hypothesis a conclusion. All you do is gain a false security. To point at a bus still smoking and say 'I told you so' proves you still need validation of your theory. I doubt you believe it yourself. I bet if you look you can find the short > > > > Greg > > 94ptca > > always checking my shorts > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > > > > > Sorry Greg, but the fact is: it was the battery cables and not other issues in my case. Absolutely not damage to anything else except the cables and shunts. Having looked very close at my damage, it was pretty obvious what hat taken place. > > > > > > Curious about you thinking I didn't learn anything from the engine re-build. Just exactly what are you incinuating? > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gregory O" > > > > > > > > I dont think our advice went past everyone without a review, especially Rob. I dont think your issues were limited to the single ground short at the battery box and bet Robs was not the same failure. I also dont think you have corrected all the issues with your coach as it is now. You didnt learn with the engine rebuild . now with the rewire of your rig leaving many more mods and changes, chances are there is a next problem waiting to happen. I suspect Rob will do like Randy and not hide opinion and review in fear of conflicting with the best return on an insurance claim. > > > > > > > > There is a heat sheild on the curb/manifold of the 8v92 that keeps hot air off of the start batteries. problem is there is a blank spot that leaves the mess of wires exposed to the heat on the fire-wall behind the batteries. on my and several rigs the plastic loom protectors are melted and removed. I was thinking of closing this area off with a thin sheet of metal but wonder if it will obstruct necessary movement of air past the engine. I may just wrap the wire area with a fabric heat schield????? (This manifold heat is the same heat that takes out the pressure protection valve for the bulk oil, which is on the manifold side of the heat shield) > > > > > > > > there are two commercial jump start lugs as you open the rear engine bay door to the right. the positive should be covered with a rubber boot > > > > > > > > batteries blow up, maybe there is too much fuel of wire insulation around this area and the batteries need a box or cover???? > > > > > > > > Greg > > > > 94ptca > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "ronmarabito2002" wrote: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Sorry to hear of the loss of anyones coach. I warned the forum after mine to check these cables and apparently it just went right by everyone. What a shame. I sure hope everyone gets out there and checks these cables now. > > > > > > > > > > R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40 > > > > > > > > > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ernie E" > > > > > > > > > > > > I am wondering, since there have been 3 fires with the 90s coaches, that if the battery cables are being chaffed behind the main battery bank. Since the coaches involved were 92, 94 and 95 models, those with coaches of this era might want to check the routing of these cables. > > > > > > This is too much of a coincidence and may have taken these many years to wear thru. > > > > > > Fortunately, nobody in all 3 coaches were hurt. > > > > > > Ernie- 83PT40 in New River, Az > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > |
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11-30-2009, 23:37
Post: #29
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Another Bird fire
Hey, if you're near Hogansville (I-85 exit 28, 45 miles south of Atlanta) stop by and visit. Â The campground is very plain but very very quiet
Dorn Hetzel 77FC35 Flat Creek Campground, Hogansville, GA
On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 8:19 PM, Bluebird Bob <"bobandarlene@earthlink.net"> wrote:
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