Jeeps Catching fire?

dirt pig · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:28 am

Just recently watched a current affairs program on TV.
It covered a story of Jeeps that catch fire (spontaneously combust?) while driving.

Anyone shed any light on the subject?

I have a theory on this. As these were near new vehicles, I suspect that they were driven off-road with little or
no modifications. If the tyre pressures were reduced thus lowering ground clearance. The vehicle would be subject to accumalation of debris around the exhaust pipe(Twigs, leaf litter etc). With a build up of heat, this debris will catch fire.

As for Jeeps catching fire on the beach, I suspect same as above only debris (sand) doesn't actually ignite but transfers heat to surrounding area near exhaust pipe.

What's your take on this?

Guest · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:31 am

it's a fake news show on TV.

Do you honestly believe anything a TV show that talks about famous people when cars are involved?

Khaki-KJ · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:35 am

There was a heater motor recall on 2006 KJs. The heater motor might keep running and "could" cause a fire. You can look up the recall for yourself on the NTHSB (or whatever it is called :lol:

) website.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:00 am

Actually cars/jeeps parked in tall dry grass - tend to burn up because the catalytic converter is hot enough to catch grass on fire
not specific to Jeeps though - although they might stop in a grassy area more often than other brands

dirt pig · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:19 am

Yeah,
ATX that's where I'm deriving my theory from. In outback Australia, this happens a lot. Grass seed builds up around exhaust and in all those places you'd like to keep clear. eg Radiator, air inlet for carb/injectors and of course the exhaust.

It's reccomended to carry a spray bottle filled with water and to stop occasionally to clear inlets of debris. Or when water temp reading seems unusually high.
The water bottle should be kept handy to extinguish any smoking seed on the exhaust.
No point wasting the onboard fire extinguisher on small jobs.

The spray bottle is also handy for a quick cool down in the desert heat.(Use fine mist...Ahhh..refreshing!!)

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 4:20 pm

I know Im worried about it. :roll:

Guest · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:42 pm

not me.

All the mud caked on my exhaust insulates any offending brush :lol:

zzack92 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:50 pm **Posts:** 371

my sisters xj :shock:

bought a 01 then

Guest · **Posted:** Sat Sep 20, 2008 11:44 pm

I've had tons of Jeep fires. Just none in the KJ :lol:

Jeeps Catching fire?

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