66cc Bike Engine Caught On FIRE!!!

[mxchris727]

So, after riding my bike for a good hour or so (just about new with less than 200 miles on it), I turned it off and left it outside to cool off. I walk into my house and peek through the window just to make sure it hasn't fallen over and what do I see? A BIG ball of fire and a cloud of black smoke coming from it. The moment I realized that it was my beloved bike that was on fire (-_-), I kindof just stood there in disbelief. My reaction was to run outside and blow at it (lmao), but it was leaking fuel and that was keeping the thing burning. After putting it out with a fire extinguisher, an autopsy reveled that not only did the fuel line harden and crack, but the shut-off petcock did nothing to stop the fuel flow.

The engine was burnt toast (literally) with every possible plastic and rubber piece bunt to a crisp. The engine had absolutely no compression and the plastic air filter cover melted into the carb so it is not salvageable. I'm guessing that the heat warped the thin aluminum engine so it's junk. I have just ordered a new slant head engine from gasbike.net: Silver Slant 80cc 2 Stroke Bicycle Motor - Silver Slant 80cc 2 Stroke Bicycle Engine Kit - 66cc Bicycle Engine Kit and am waiting for it to arrive. Has this happened to anyone else?? Also, do you think that the engine I've ordered is good? It says the fuel line does NOT get hard over time like the old ones lol


Yes, I did pull out my phone and snap a few quick pics

 

[Venice Motor Bikes]

So my natural reaction was to grab my camera & start taking pictures of it instead of puting out the fire!

 

[glennbo]

looks staged!!!!

 

[mxchris727]

It sucks because I had just completely changed all of the gaskets out (being soaked from the break-in mix) and swapped the clutch spring shaft to a stronger one. A least I now have another set of "burnt" parts.
Yea I took my phone out because I knew it was fried as soon as I saw the gas burning off of the head. It was very entertaining for a few moments
The bike's paint was ruined on the downtube and that pissed me off but i'm going to use it again for the next project.

 

[mxchris727]

Glennbo, this was not staged

 

[MotorBicycleRacing]

After putting it out with a fire extinguisher, an autopsy reveled that not only did the fuel line harden and crack, but the shut-off petcock did nothing to stop the fuel flow.

Also, do you think that the engine I've ordered is good? It says the fuel line does NOT get hard over time like the old ones lol

Yes, I did pull out my phone and snap a few quick pics

Thanks for the pics! LOL Do you have a pic of the toasted motor?

Why was the clutch cover off?

All fuel line that comes with these kits are junk and should be replaced.

Are you sure that the fuel valve was off?

 

[matthurd]

Thanks for the pics! LOL
Why was the clutch cover off?

All fuel line that comes with these kits are junk and should be replaced.

Are you sure that the fuel valve was off?

my fuel valve doesn't work right either, my dad said if i took it apart and flipped something over it would work right, i just never got around to it.

but mine is off when its at just the right spot in the middle of it, if i put it where it's labled as "off" its got free flow, just like in the "on" position.

the goodyear fuel line that came with my kit seems fine though.

 

[Drewd]

hi,
i'll buy your block off of you. let me know how much you want for it shipped to colorado springs, co 80921. i mainly need the engine case.

 

[mxchris727]

I took apart the little shut off valve to find that the rubber ring with holes in it was never lined up with the fuel flow holes. I'll try to find a compatible fuel line somewhere else for my next kit.
Also, does anyone think that if you leave the bike in the sun too long the gas tanks can overheat and explode? It's just something I always worry about.

Drewd, the engine case itself in in good condition but you might not want it considering that one of the heat studs stripped in the block. I also have just parted it out so if you need a specific piece, just let me know

 

[Mac]

sorry for your loss! I know there is some humor to be had here,but i'll spare you the pain just this one time(LOL!!)

I suppose something about gas prices would due, Darn, I said i wasn't gonna do that!

Mac

 

[mxchris727]

Lol, what size diameter is the fuel line? Also. What would be the best fuel filter to use? I'm worried about keeping gas in the tanks now... Especially when it's in the sun.

 

[wayne z]

I don't understand how it caught on fire it it wasn't running. Why would you change all the gaskets becauce of rich oil mix?
Something don't sound right here.

 

[Al.Fisherman]

I replace the fuel lines on EVERY build. I go to a lawnmower shop and buy the fuel line made for weed eaters and such. They are a yellow color. Also I check the fuel cut off after I put gas in the tank and before I hook it to the carburetor to make sure it cuts off. I use the factory filter till break in is finished then replace it with a bullet type filter. I know Advance has them, sure O'Rileys and Auto Zone carry them.

2 - Fuel Filter For Mowers/Tractors/any Gas Engine 1/4" | eBay

 

[wayne z]

Lol, what size diameter is the fuel line? Also. What would be the best fuel filter to use? I'm worried about keeping gas in the tanks now... Especially when it's in the sun.

You say that you changed all the gaskets ,but you can't figure out what size the fuel line is?

 

[biknut]

The fuel line you need is 1/4"

 

[adam valentine]

Something isn't sitting right with this what started the fire why is the clutch cover off why would you put your self that close if the tank has gas in it and could explode at any min and why oh why would you grab a camera instead of oh idk a hose cup of water fire extinguisher

 

[mxchris727]

Lol you can't measure a burnt-to-a-crisp fuel line

The gaskets where replaced because the original ones where saturated with oil due to a 16:1 ratio and they where spitting oil at high RPM's. The cluch cover was removed as I made a mistake a wile back and a bit of grease got into the clutch requiring it to be adjusted often (too lazy to remove and install it every time).
I did put it out with an extinguisher (extreme loud!!!) but the oil kept re-igniting.

Man these things are a pain, but its totally worth the work when it runs right

 

[adam valentine]

But what started the fire ????

 

[mxchris727]

But what started the fire ????

I took it out for over an hour so... I guess when the gas dripped down onto the hot sparkplug and engine, it must have ignited.

 

[Nashville Kat]

Next time, take video and maybe if you're lucky the tank will explode
and you'll have something they'll put on television

 

[azbill]

some of these comments crack me up !!!
I ride and leave my bike in the hot desert sun (sometimes 110+) and the gas has never gave a reason to worry,,,IMHO your leak is the main culprit