2001 V70 T5 Fuel Rail Fire

[Rich85GTS]

Greetings
Just wanted to advise of a dangerous risk in removing and replacing fuel rail on 2001 V70's. I left the fuel line(above intake manifold) quick connector attached and simply rolled fuel rail with injectors toward the radiator so I'd have room to do a Cylinder head job(ask me if you need advise on that). Anyway, after replacing Cyl head I had by then many times rolled that fuel rail in and out. When I energized the fuel pump(15 amp fuse, left front panel driver) and started the car to my shock and panic flames started shooting up from on top of the engine, in of all places, my garage! I quickly turned ignition off(cuts fuel pump) and after several trips with Tupperware water filled container managed to put out the fire(fuel burned up, left plastic parts burning). I investigated and found that little hose that runs "between" the quick-connect and "Fuel Rail" had rusted apart, leaving only a rubber covering which was easily punctured by the shards of that broken rusted pipe. When liquid gas sprayed out, some fell across the "+/-" on the starter and/or the alternator terminals, a short circuit spark resulted which ignited the fuel. I attributed the rust in the failed fuel line to be related to the ethanol in gasoline over the years. My advice would be to replace that fuel line whenever servicing a Volvo with over 100,000 miles and using some solution at fill ups to remove water in the ethanol. Hope that helps someone, Cheers
2001 Volvo V70 T5 2.3L high pressure Turbo 150000+
1986 Volvo 850 Turbo 250000+

[Antherzoll]

My advise would be to have a fire extinguisher installed in your garage and to have it handy whenever working on the fuel system of your vehicle. Glad it wasn't worse! I actually keep one in my vehicle at all times, but that's due to my paranoia.

[Rich85GTS]

Fire Extinguisher..that's my plan..good idea. I probably will back the car out of my garage before trying to restart it