LIVE and LEARN
#41
06-16-2015, 06:57 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
I appreciate all the well wishes and prayers… my burns are healing nicely and my wife is an angel dressing my wounds daily. I should be 'normal' in a few weeks, but taking it a day at a time. For those interested, here is a link to the fuel bottles (one in each saddlebag) that I was carrying…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o02_s00
I followed all directions and did not fill past the 'full' mark, however, one of them did hit the ground while I was emptying out my bag for the night. That might have caused a 'leak' which created the 'bomb'
On a similar note: I had wrapped my headers which worked great for scavenging hot exhaust rearward and allowing the motor to run cooler in hot weather; however, it probably was a combination of 'events' that caused the accident. I was going about 70 and getting good airflow when it happened, but the sun had also been shining on me (south side) most of the day.
What bothers me is that our fuel tanks are vented to allow for heat expansion and there have been no issues… so, ….. should these auxiliary tanks also be vented.? But if they are vented.. gasoline burns as a 'gas' not a fluid, so ??
I think proximity is the key; closed container, heat from the sun and asphalt, and very close to the hot exhaust created pressure that 'popped the top' and then the boom and fire…. I was sprayed with gasoline on my right side (where the fire started) so my understanding of the event sort of makes sense to me… anyway; if anyone is looking for a good motor with ported heads and a new hydraulic cam chain tensioner plate, I could refer you to my insurance…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o02_s00
I followed all directions and did not fill past the 'full' mark, however, one of them did hit the ground while I was emptying out my bag for the night. That might have caused a 'leak' which created the 'bomb'
On a similar note: I had wrapped my headers which worked great for scavenging hot exhaust rearward and allowing the motor to run cooler in hot weather; however, it probably was a combination of 'events' that caused the accident. I was going about 70 and getting good airflow when it happened, but the sun had also been shining on me (south side) most of the day.
What bothers me is that our fuel tanks are vented to allow for heat expansion and there have been no issues… so, ….. should these auxiliary tanks also be vented.? But if they are vented.. gasoline burns as a 'gas' not a fluid, so ??
I think proximity is the key; closed container, heat from the sun and asphalt, and very close to the hot exhaust created pressure that 'popped the top' and then the boom and fire…. I was sprayed with gasoline on my right side (where the fire started) so my understanding of the event sort of makes sense to me… anyway; if anyone is looking for a good motor with ported heads and a new hydraulic cam chain tensioner plate, I could refer you to my insurance…
#42
06-16-2015, 07:04 AM
Moderator
#43
06-16-2015, 07:07 AM
Intermediate
#44
06-16-2015, 07:35 AM
Amazing. What a crazy accident. I hope you the best in your recovery. those are some pretty gnarly pictures but burn treatment has gotten to be very good nowadays and I know you will have a full recovery.
I have carried fuel before but it was always in a plastic container on my rack. I just cant imagine what it takes to combust inside of a saddlebag. You would think the leather would burn and crack before that. I guess the cans just popped. that was one benefit to the plastic jugs in that they could expand.
Hang in there!
I have carried fuel before but it was always in a plastic container on my rack. I just cant imagine what it takes to combust inside of a saddlebag. You would think the leather would burn and crack before that. I guess the cans just popped. that was one benefit to the plastic jugs in that they could expand.
Hang in there!
#46
06-16-2015, 11:14 AM
Cruiser
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Ponchatoula, LA
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"What bothers me is that our fuel tanks are vented to allow for heat expansion and there have been no issues… so, ….. should these auxiliary tanks also be vented.? But if they are vented.. gasoline burns as a 'gas' not a fluid, so ??"
Yes, those tanks should be vented. You are correct in that only vapors burn, not liquids, however the burning did not cause the container to fail. The container failed due to overpressure due to the heat causing the liquid to vaporize. Failure of the container freed the liquid and thus the vapors allowing them to reach an ignition source (spark, exhaust, etc.). While a vent would by design allow some vapor (and pressure) to escape the chance of it making a flammable mixture at any given point would be far less than in the catastrophic failure of the container.
Yes, those tanks should be vented. You are correct in that only vapors burn, not liquids, however the burning did not cause the container to fail. The container failed due to overpressure due to the heat causing the liquid to vaporize. Failure of the container freed the liquid and thus the vapors allowing them to reach an ignition source (spark, exhaust, etc.). While a vent would by design allow some vapor (and pressure) to escape the chance of it making a flammable mixture at any given point would be far less than in the catastrophic failure of the container.
#47
06-16-2015, 01:43 PM
#48
06-16-2015, 02:55 PM
Unofficial HDF Chaplain
#49
06-16-2015, 03:06 PM
Elite HDF Member
