Honda Accord 89 on fire... how to stop it.

Yesterday I saw an 89 Accord first smoking then burning at the
catalytic converter at 70 mph. He didn't notice it for like four miles
until he saw smoke behind him. At this time I could see a flame coming
out. And he pulled over and stopped. I didn't bother to help him out
because this stretches if highway is known as the burning highway.
Last week, commuters at 5 in the morning drive by a really spectacular
burning car at 90 mph as though they don't care anymore, I'm one on
them :-( What causes car engine fires? How do we stop these fires?

 

A couple of things.

1. An Oil (trans fluid, power sterring fluid, etc) leak dripping or
blowing back onto the cat.

2. A plugged or restricted cat getting red/white hot and setting fire
to the areas around it.

 

Catalytic converters get hot, real hot. Otherwise they don't work (it's
also why you should never park a warm car over tall grass/vegetation).
I'm not sure what exactly cause this fire, but an improper fuel mixture
can cause the cat to run hotter than it should, this might be the case.

Car engine fires are caused by poor maintenance of the car's systems and
of course gasoline likes to burn.

I suggest you get a small fire extinguisher and keep it in the car. Even
if you suffer some damage from a car fire, if you can put it out in time
you can prevent a *bad* thing from destroying your vehicle.

Just don't mount it on the A pillar like all the import driving
teenagers. Do make sure it's convenient though. Mine is attached to a
custom sub box that replaced the rear seat...a 1 second grab away.

 

Do not forget to change the flexible fuel line.

Do not open the hood if you suspect a medium to large fires.

Do not stand near a trunk or pressurized tire fires.

Do not refuel your car or a portable container without first discharging
static energies.

Do not run motor if you smell gas or see smokes, turn off the engine.

Do not run engine wires carelessly.

Overheating or oil leakages can cause fires.

Check, recheck installed parts using new seals or washers.

Check catalytic for glowing red.

Kj