Well Sunday I finished replacing a fuel pump, some hoses and fittings. Once the engine turned over...poof, up come the flames. Now my iginition is fried, distributor cap, plug wires and my wiring harness are all scortched, not to mention the 2 fire extinguisher remains in the engine comp. I believe gas dumped through the vent tubes in the carb and ignited from the distributor or something. Now once i replace all this stuff. What should I do to prevent another tragedy? I did have the top to the filter cover off and it looks like its been scortched before because i have cleaned it. Could I be getting fire up though the intake up the carb?

anyone?

How long was your car sitting? If your carb is gummy and needs cleaning, a float might stick and puddle gas onto the engine after continued cranking. Have a friend present so that someone can eye the situation while the other turn the key. have a fire extinguisher present. Did you change plug wires or alter timing. These could give you a backfire if timing incorrect or plug wire crossed. Still, it sound like your car was hard to start and you ended up cranking for a while and got a fuel spillage. re-check your hoses and clamps and check for carb overflowing. Sometimes a few taps will free a sticking float. BTW, while chasing fire hazards, I would be incline to push the car outside of the garage and away from the house :) ... sdt

I did push the car out of the garage. The hood was off, so it did save me from doing any damage to it. I did change the fuel pump and the line running to the carb T line. I belive this is why it may have taken a little while to sart up. The car had sat for a while. I have to take the carb off now and give it a good cleaning, extiguisher dust, and make sure there is no fire damage to it. Timing hasn't been adjusted for at least 6 months before parking it. Having someone else would have helped.