12 Volt Fuel Solenoid cut-off valve wanted? LOCALLY in SA.

[acpaterson]

Guys,
one of the best additions to our cars besides a good remote fire-extinguishing system would be to kill the fuel supply. This is done via an electric Fuel Cut off Solenoid (Valve). These things are widely available overseas, but as usual, our local Car Spares suppliers have absolutely no clue what I'm asking for.
Any of the clever guys know where these may be purchased before I order 5 of them from the UK?

Alan

[Terry Phillips]

Try Diesel Elctric or Motolek we use to use them on F250's some years back or try some auto electrical shops.
The only problem is you will have to wire it up to a secret switch in that case rather hide a switch to cut the ignition a lot cheaper.

[acpaterson]

Seriously struggling to find this.. There's plenty Diesel "plug in" systems for Diesel fuel pumps, but nothing that can be fitted between a pump or tank and the carb.. Tried Diesel electric, they only have diesel.

[acpaterson]

The only other solution is to fit a low pressure inline fuel pump before the mechanical fuel pump, or remove the mechanical fuel pump completely. Then isolate the fuel pump via ign switch. Starts getting messy.

[Tessy]

ASCO solenoid vales. Google them

[Loopy]

Alan, I bought one (couple of years back), and found it at a place that did installations of car alarms and immobilizing systems. Most other people and places did not know of them.

Used it to cut the fuel supply on a motorbike, and was wired into the ignition.

[Tony Z]

12V shut off valve as used in hydraulics installations
try hyflo or any other hydraulics supplier.
You can even wire it up so it is only open when there is oil pressure or when there is spark if you get the right relays.

[acpaterson]

tony,
Wouldn't it be easier to replace fuel pump with electric? if ign is off, fuel pump is off.. Simple..
And then, question is which pump.. I've called half a dozen Companies, as soon as you say "fuel" then it's a nooooo we don't have".. So, ele fuel pump, easy, but which one? Comments?

[Tony Z]

tony,
Wouldn't it be easier to replace fuel pump with electric? if ign is off, fuel pump is off.. Simple..

thats not what you originally asked

problem is you are still left with a pump that is running after you have had an accident if you dont turn off the ignition

for your application a small square facet tick-tick-tick pump is all you need. Yes, spares guys will understand you if you ask for it.
run it inline with a safety relay
http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... 48&t=20128
http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... 104#p94104

[acpaterson]

oh I give up!

[IMPI]

I honestly can not really justify the need for an elaborate fuel cut off or fire extinguisher system. Most cars that I know that had fires had sub std hoses or a stuck float or very old plug wires. in each instance poor maintenance was to blame. Normally the engine dies when the fuel hose burns off or the electrics stop the engine. thus fuel flow with a mechanical pump is stopped. electric pumps however need help and the easiest I have found is to use a Golf FI relay which takes the coils signal to operate again engine not turning no fuel.

I think it is a myth that Fiberglass cars burns easier than others the problem is that the body it self burns and nothing is left but that doesn't say it is easy to get it to burn, Heck the space re entry vehicles used fiberglass heat shields. What could be and option is to paint the whole engine with Itumescent paint that will coat everything in a fire retardant coating.

If you are not carrying out regular maintenance in the first place what will be the odds that your on board systems will work when needed?

Some immobilizers in Sa do have a fuel shut off valve so I will look there first.
Armand

[jmvv]

We use fuel cutoff solenoids in vehicle immobiliser systems where the car is not fuel injected. On a Beetle, I would fit it in the flexible line below the fuel tank.

The unit cost about R250 (ex Vat)

How many do you need?

[acpaterson]

Armand thanks for your valuable input.
I do hear you and where you're coming from, but preventative maintenance is as good as it can be. "If" is a big word, but it needs to be taken into account. If something goes wrong, and there's a fire, I would like the opportunity to save my vehicle by doing as much as possible. I can easily justify a solenoid, and will get them and fit them for my car(s). They also add to the immobilizer capability, and considering the busses are becoming sought-after, this can only help, more than hinder.

I will "immobilize" my cars myself via a number of methods, and hope for the best. As long as something's done properly, it should be solid, robust, and most importantly, it's job.

lastly, a fitted, remote pull extinguisher can also only help, vs getting out and opening up an engine lid and providing more Oxigen to a fire.

Much appreciate for the input, PM's inbound.

Alan

[Terry Phillips]

You use to get a fire ball extinguisher which is put it in a cage above the engine as the fire heats the ball up it will go off automatically and extinguish the fire. I cant remember the name of the place but they where in CT.Google, Fire ball extinguisher, used on vw's
Not sure if it is what you can use on your vehicles.

[retrovan]

Have an electric fuel pump, at the tank, there after I have a fuel cut off solenoid. (Which you get at any alarm fitment center)

http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopi ... 75#p249791

On power up of ignition I go via a secret switch, then the car alarm, and then to my fuel control system (ie pump and shutoff solenoid)

But I make sure that my ignition lights come on when the system is safe, or the car thief will know you have a cut out system.

In this way he will crank the engine, find it not running, steal the radio, and leave.

Old saying;- offer a hand of corn to save the harvest.



Herman