Car burned out because of ATF on exhaust

[D4D]

Edit - copied from Pradopoint, this was not my friend, I thought it was information people needed to consider.

This was on Pradopoint, be careful out there.

On New Years day my friend lost his 100 Series LC when a fire completely detroyed their car and their All terain CT. They were on there way from Sydney to Perth and just outside Port Augusta, they smelled smoke. He pulled over and saw flames beneath the car, but had no luck in putting them out with the fire extinguisher he had with him. In no time the fire spread to the trailer and within minutes everything was gone. Talking to the Fire Department guys afterwards, they said it is a common problem when the automatic transmission overheats, that the ATF can overheat and leak out onto the exhaust, and ignite.

[Paul and Bern]

  Sympathy to your mate.  What a way to start the New Year, hope all are well and the insurance plays nice.  Still doesn't make up what happened though.
  Paul

[sbadman]

This is a particular problem with JK Wranglers running the V6 petrol and auto transmission.  The fill/dip tube sits over one exhaust bank, and under heavy load eg towing, sand, the ATF can overflow out and onto the exhaust.  It hasn't done the Wranglers reputation any favours either!

The common preventive methods are to either install an ATF temp gauge, or simply extend the fill tube away from the exhaust components.

Once ATF goes up though, it's very unlikely a fire extinguisher is going to be effective.   All you can really do is people first, important/irreplaceable items seconds, and hope your insurance policy is up to date!

[Kit_e_kat9]

Is this likely to happen on anything other than a Nissan automatic?  What a worry.  Hope those people were insured and they are covered for this situation ...

Kit_e

[speewa158]

Things can only get better

[Compass]

Is this likely to happen on anything other than a Nissan automatic?  What a worry.  Hope those people were insured and they are covered for this situation ...

Kit_e

D4D's friend had a Land Cruiser. Is this a problem with Patrols as well? 

[D4D]

FYI - It is not my friend, I just copied the post from Pradopoint

[speewa158]

Here we go its the toysan/nisyota  madness off & runningggggggggg  yet again . Get a life kiddies 

[Compass]

Here we go its the toysan/nisyota  madness off & runningggggggggg  yet again . Get a life kiddies 

I wasn't trying to start a Toyota/Nissan debate Speewa.  I actually like both vehicles but I bought a Patrol because it was cheaper. Since it is auto, I need to know if I could have the same problem.  Perhaps I should have bought the Clydesdale in the first place

D4D, sorry if I have caused offence.  Somehow I missed the point that it was copied from elsewhere.
Eric

[Heiny]

Here we go its the toysan/nisyota  madness off & runningggggggggg  yet again . Get a life kiddies 

Should of had a Triton    Overlanders 'Best of the Best 2010'. 

[Jon]

Should of had a Triton    Overlanders 'Best of the Best 2010'. 

Or a clutch....

[Heiny]

Or a clutch....

True 

[coffs camping]

Aw. That's just plain sad.

I had a fire in my 80 series engine bay a few years back on a camping trip. Myself and my neighbour and 4 kids in the car (one strapped into a 5 point harness). While I reacted hysterically my quick thinking neighbour and some passers by got fire extinguishers and dealt with the problem. The rural firies also came and had a look as did everyone driving in or out of Trial Bay that day.

I can appreciate the trauma these people must feel at their lose and hope their insurance comes good (mine did).

J

[Jon]

Must admit though, even with my glib comment, to lose your rig to a fire is not something I would wish on anyone.

With all the mods people around here do to their trailers a camper is an extension of your own personality.
It would be truly horrible to be helpless to do anything except watch.

[Digger]

Aw. That's just plain sad.

I had a fire in my 80 series engine bay a few years back on a camping trip. Myself and my neighbour and 4 kids in the car (one strapped into a 5 point harness). While I reacted hysterically my quick thinking neighbour and some passers by got fire extinguishers and dealt with the problem. The rural firies also came and had a look as did everyone driving in or out of Trial Bay that day.

I can appreciate the trauma these people must feel at their lose and hope their insurance comes good (mine did).

J
I always keep a good knife in the side pocket ,very sharp and velco in so easy access and only used if needed to cut out seat belt webbings

[BigJules]

I lost a 100 series to fire a few years ago; it was terrifying. You've never seen anything burn like it, had been buring already for 50 minutes when the firies arrived and it still took 45 minutes to extinguish.

[Rowanb]

The problem with car fires is that everything is a fuel source. Auto trannys will never be a favourite of mine for towing, around town maybe but not for towing. Fit a tranny cooler or use your sense of smell, hmmm whats that burning smell better full over mes think. Some of the problem I think is the fact people do not know how to tow with an auto its not select and forget these new 5 speed overdive autos will slip and get hot if you do not use your common sense and select a lower range.
In the late 80s I seen many converted HX wagons (overlander copies) and auto F trucks burn on Fraser as the autos overheated in the soft sand.
Manual gearbox the only way to fly at least when all the oil falls out she wont burn, lock up, not burn lol.

[graylyn]

Hey Digger, is that really you?  If it is PM me your email address PLEASE!!