QuestionI have a 72 Olds Cutlas and it really give off a strong gas fumes. The other day the break cable under the carriage caught fire, think God that’s all it was, but we never found out what set the cable on fire to start. Should I replace my gas lines? Where do I start?
AnswerHi Lester:
There are most likely a couple of reason the brake cable caught fire. I suspect an overheated catalytic converter or muffler. The brake line tend to run too close to the hot elements. Check to make sure you don't have a clogged catalytic converter, which would overheat and glow red hot. Also the heavy gas smell in another indication that you could be dumping large amounts of unburned gas into the catalytic converter. This mean you may have a foul plug or a plug that is not firing (bad wire) or carb out of adjustment (Possible stuck automatic choke). So, to really get to the heart of the fire, trace backward.
1. Start with the plugs, plug wires and carb.
2. Next check the converter and muffler and heat under the car.
3. Check the gas lines and the fuel pump for wear and explosure.
If your gas or brake lines are old and worn due too excess heat explosure, then by all means replace them and even shield them from heat sources. Many older cars may still have outstanding recalls for this that may have never been fixed. Hope this helps.
