Type ABC Fire extinguisher any use for a runaway diesel? What type to get?

[aczlan]

I wouldnt sweat the threat of runaway. ABC extinguisher isnt the answer anyways. Get one for the remote chance of an engine fire if you want, but thats about it.

If runaway is your fear, you need a air shutoff like what Aaron posted. I dont really like the looks of that particular one however. It looks like the shutoff from a dust extraction system, not something designed to be very air tight and protect from dust infiltration around the perimeter of the slide.

I dont know what size the intake is on your tractor, but these guys (or one of their subsidiaries) make one that'll work. I prefer the cable actuated ones as opposed to the ones you have to get close to to activate. They are quicker and safer.AMOT-Products- Swing Gate Valves-RDS1 Swing Gate Valve (½

I agree that something more airtight would be better. That was just intended to be an example.

Aaron Z

 

[Arc weld]

Positive air shut off is required when working in refineries and other areas where there could be a gas leak. There are manual and electric available. Lots of diesel welders have them installed.

 

[Tx Jim]

I been working around/with diesel agriculture engines since mid 60's(a long time) and have yet to see my 1st(FIRST) engine runaway. If I was shopping for a fire extinguisher I buy one that would hopefully put out a FIRE. Now I have had 3 pieces of equipment catch on fire(cab tractor,rd baler & hay cutter).all on different occasions. I've started added a product called "Fireout" to my 2-1/2 gal water fire extinguisher.

 

[buickanddeere]

I been working around/with diesel agriculture engines since mid 60's(a long time) and have yet to see my 1st(FIRST) engine runaway. If I was shopping for a fire extinguisher I buy one that would hopefully put out a FIRE. Now I have had 3 pieces of equipment catch on fire(cab tractor,rd baler & hay cutter).all on different occasions. I've started added a product called "Fireout" to my 2-1/2 gal water fire extinguisher.

Looks like Fireout is some sort of class B additive but doesn't state if it's suitable for polar solvents.
Ideally high expansion AFFF added to a 2-1/2 gallon gives high heat absorption, lowers surface tension and coverage of pooled flammable liquids.

 

[Ken]

I been working around/with diesel agriculture engines since mid 60's(a long time) and have yet to see my 1st(FIRST) engine runaway. If I was shopping for a fire extinguisher I buy one that would hopefully put out a FIRE. Now I have had 3 pieces of equipment catch on fire(cab tractor,rd baler & hay cutter).all on different occasions. I've started added a product called "Fireout" to my 2-1/2 gal water fire extinguisher.

In the mid '50's working on a Cat 100 KW generator the engine governor control rod came loose and engine exceeded the normal rpms fast . A man put a rubber boot over the intake and saw it sucked into the engine. we were all glad the foot wasn't attached. Spent the rest of the day removing the intake manifold and cleaning .
Also he just grabbed the governor rod to idle the engine. then shut off.

ken

 

[Tx Jim]

Looks like Fireout is some sort of class B additive but doesn't state if it's suitable for polar solvents.
Ideally high expansion AFFF added to a 2-1/2 gallon gives high heat absorption, lowers surface tension and coverage of pooled flammable liquids.

Fireout is promoted(sold) by local JD dealer.is why I put it in my fire extinguisher.

 

[Soundguy]

I've never heard of anybody being able to effectively stop a runaway.

really? don't get out much eh?

while not common.. surely not rare.. I had to choke plate one down a few weeks ago in the shop when we couldn't get the decellerator on the dozer to kill it. no biggie.. no magic.. just stop air.. handy board or engine cover will work. anything too big to be sucked apart or down intot he intake, and that can seal enough or block air into the intake will work.

Besides, if a diesel runaway was a big problem I'm pretty sure the major companies would have some control system built into their tractors.

again.. not rare.. but not common.

it happens. those that work on diesels should be aware of the possibility.. say inthe case of a stuck rack or whatever.. and be prepaired to choke em down.

natural gas is a problem too. don't even need fuel!!

i've heard of detroit's drinking their own juices too.. so relying on fuel shut down alone is not always 100% effective.