Diesel Fires

[Mopar1973Man]

So, On TikTok, there are several people that just lost their trucks to fires. There is a feeling that something is being added to the fuel to create said fires. First off it's not possible. You don't hear of diesel tractor-trailers having fire issues or farm tractors having fires. Yes, I know red dye and on-road fuel are from the same source just one has red dye added to the fuel. 

 

It is very possible these younger pups are making mistakes with their ground lighting, rock lights, etc and not properly fusing or properly wiring up accessories even stereo amps, and head units. 

 

Yeah, there were several trucks posted up on TikTok burning down. Ford, Chevy, and even a Dodge so it's not just like one brand it's all the modified trucks. Typically seen wide wheels, rock lights, etc. Very possible it's an electrical thing and a rash of bad luck. 

 

In response to this I posted up on TikTok about the W-T ground wire mod, another video showing there is no electrical hooked to my batteries except the ground for the W-T ground wire mod and the alternator charge lead coming from my 150A breaker on the side the battery on the passenger side. 

 

 

 

 

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoSkjwA/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoSkg2o/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoSdaUB/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoBExX6/

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoSBXvY/

[Doubletrouble]

 I saw that all over tiktok as well. I was thinking the same thing. It's a bunch of young people doing what they do. To each their own on how they want to build their truck but please, do it correctly to avoid things like fires, failing brakes, wheel bearings, ball joints. All the "common" mods of the young generation put a ton of stress on different thing and they don't realize what it does to their pride and joy.

[Mopar1973Man]

Some of the videos are for sure electrical fires seeing the loom melted. All them are moved trucks in some form. Lights, winch, stereo and amps, etc. Some could be fuel leaks not being g dealt with like number 4 rail line cracking which is known on CR engines.

[Max Tune]

I went to pick something up with a friend of mine a few years ago. I said to him, I smell diesel. He looks at me and says, that's because it's a diesel and not a gas truck. I had him pop the hood and there was diesel everywhere. I told him to think about it, fuel systems are sealed. If you are smelling something that you've never smelled before and isn't a normal odor, you have to look and see where it's coming from. Could have easily burned the truck up. I think the only thing that saved him is he wasn't running long distance or working the truck hard.

[Andyba20]

I’ve been seriously considering deleting my stock fuel filter/housing and running something aftermarket. A few weeks ago I noticed the drain tube leaking so I ordered the replacement kit from Geno’s (for the drain valve). Unhooking all the fuel lines to remove the canister is annoying enough to not enjoy doing it, and the new valve is/was leaking too (I made some adjustments and it’s been good for a few days). I carry a small fire extinguisher under the rear seat too. 

[Mopar1973Man]

12 hours ago, Andyba20 said:

I’ve been seriously considering deleting my stock fuel filter/housing and running something aftermarket.

Don't! Leave the factory filter there at least you keep the fuel heater for the cold months which is very helpful to bring the fuel temperature up fast being the electric heater comes on below +60*F. Now the factory filter is mounted in that spot because it's near the coolant passage in the manifold. This is why fuel temperature and IAT typically match in temperature on long hauls. Fuel temperatures of 80 to 120*F are good to have helps with atomization and don't require a ton of timing to get good MPGs. Above 140*F fuel temps are too hot and asphaltenes are produced this is the black material collected in the filters. 

 

As for diesel fire, I think it's just commonly overlooked stuff. Pinched wires from modifications, and fuel leaks that couldn't be seen, but I really don't think anything is in the fuel. Ammonia Nitrate is a powder form and placed in fuel but it is still going to be corrosive and eat up the fuel system. (Injectors, pumps, plug-up filters, etc.) Look closely a lot of fires start in the cab. Then start tossing in gasoline-powered Ford Rangers and little gasoline cars it's not the fuel now. 

Edited June 3, 2023 by Mopar1973Man