If engine ever caught fire from NOS...fire extingu

**Z28er** · 08-03-2008, 03:07 PM

If the motor blew from NOS, and fire was started from the fuel:

Do I use a normal fire extinguisher, or is there a special fuel/gas fire extinguisher?

For some reason I heard a regular fire extinguisher could make the fire worse?

Not sure, so I am asking my fellow members.

Thanks,

Rich

**'02 Z28** · 08-03-2008, 07:04 PM

Many reasons why I should make a joke, but I will be nice. Nitrous Oxide in not flammable by itself. If you are on bottle and the engine catches fire, then you have a gas leak which has sparked. In this situation you would definitely want to use your fire extinguisher as it will suffocate the fire by not allowing it Oxygen. But if it is a really big fire, then you should just call your insurance company and ask for a new ride. Hope that helps.

**Orcus79** · 08-03-2008, 09:21 PM

No there is not a a special extinguisher for nitrous fires. Nitrous is an oxidizer hence the oxide portion of the name, it will certainly excelerate any fire though. The biggest issue is fuel, using the wrong extinguisher or techique can make things worse.

**Z28er** · 08-04-2008, 03:45 PM

That is what I was getting at...if fire caused from NOS blowing up the motor....gas catches up in flames...do I need to worry about just spraying it down with a regular every-day fire extinguisher?

I remember hearing something about Fire Dept required NOS sticker on your car so they knew how to fight the car fire if this ever happened. Some sort of special extingusiher?

I thought there was a special extinguisher....maybe not?

Anyway, thanks.

**Orcus79** · 08-04-2008, 03:52 PM

Thats because it falls under WHIMIS control and as hazardous good and a compressed gas they have to know it is there.

You can reduce the or slow the fire by using an ABC rated extinguisher, they are usually a dry powder type. 1 pound per second of use usually. The amount of gas that would catch fire is small. What propigates most engine fires is the build of dirt and oil as well as the plastics used in modern cars. including the wiring and any hood insulation.

Aslo due to the confined space heat builds rapidly and can not escape, only adding to the propblem.

**Danger731** · 08-04-2008, 05:19 PM

A regular household extinguisher will do.

**sercastiK** · 08-04-2008, 08:41 PM

call your insurance forget the fire

**ggino85** · 08-05-2008, 03:17 AM

you would preferably want a class D fire extinguisher. class D fire extinguishers have dry powders designed for use on combustible metals, i.e. aluminum, magnesium. chemicals in other fire extinguishers (class A,B,C,K) can actually create large quantities of toxic gas. If your engine is on fire and you don't have a class D, the best thing to do is get a shovel and throw dirt on it to smother the fire. oh and one other side note, when buying a class D extinguisher make sure its good for aluminum (there are two different kinds, each filled with a different chemical)

**Z28er** · 08-06-2008, 03:15 PM

Thanks guys. I knew I wasn't crazy, but whatever.

**Orcus79** · 08-06-2008, 07:45 PM

There is a flaw in your logid regarding the use of a class D extinguisher, Class Ds are intensed to be used on metal such as Magnesium and Potasium. Almuminun is not a combustable metal. Melt yes but burn only in extreamly High temperatures. Much more then what can be obtained in an engine fire.

Class ABC are preferable cause of other flamable material. A class D will do nothing against oil and gas fueled fires. ABC rated extinguishers are usually a chemicle foam or more commonly a dry chemicle type system. Neither produce, as far as I know, toxic fumes. The fumes come the combusting materials.

**ggino85** · 08-07-2008, 09:51 AM

orcus79, im just going by what my fire science book says and it has aluminum included in combustible metals

. i will ask my teacher next week when the fall semester starts. one thing i do know you wouldnt want to use a class A in an oil fire(class A, usually water based)

, also the toxic fumes occur if you use an extinguisher filled with Halon(used in some class B and C extinguishers) on a class D fire. btw, this is only my first semester so take it easy

oh and i would recommend to anyone using nitrous to go down to your local Fire department and ask them there opinions.

**Orcus79** · 08-07-2008, 10:00 AM

Ahh, no harm no foul, all here to learn.

ABC combo extiguishers are rated for use on flamable materials, oils and electrical. You are right that you would not want to use a Class A on an oil fire.

And yes if ever in doubt talk to the pros.

**LS2Tuner** · 08-08-2008, 08:42 PM

I would just take a spare full bottle of NOS and open the valve on the fire.

**totalkos** · 08-08-2008, 10:14 PM

Nawwwwwws!

**JoshieDoom** · 08-09-2008, 01:55 AM

lol....

Halon fire system anyone?

**TNTramair** · 08-13-2008, 09:44 AM

the only reason you would have to worry about a fire is if your intake explodes from a backfire. at that time the injectors are floppin around in the wind, gas gets on the hot headers and waaaa laaaa....instant LS1-Kabob!! (dont ask me how i know..

). but yes...any ABC extinguisher will work.