Blazecut Automatic Fire Suppression

Aug 03, 2013 Abel Longoria Vanagon 2

---

One of the first things an experienced Vanagon owner tells someone who just purchased their first Vanagon is “CHANGE YOUR FUEL LINES!”. Often times these 20+ year old vehicles have their original, dry rotted fuel lines which have caused many vans to burn to the ground. Not good.

What I Used

1. BlazeCut Automatic Fire Suppression System 12′
2. Dewalt 20-Volt Compact Right Angle Drill Kit
3. BlazeCut Automatic Fire Suppression System 3′ (optional)
4. BlazeCut Automatic Fire Suppression System 6′ (optional)
5. BlazeCut Automatic Fire Suppression System 9′ (optional)

Once I purchased Libby in 2013 the fuel lines were one of the must checks for me in order to give her a complete clean bill of health. Fortunately in 2008 when her engine was upgraded to a GoWesty 2.5L engine the ENTIRE fuel system was replaced with new items. Fuel tank, fuel lines etc. Even though I am confident in her fuel system I am still nervous about engine compartment fires. That’s where BlazeCut comes in! It’s an automatic fire suppression system which lays dormant in the engine compartment until its needed.

BlazeCut is a pressurized tube (6ft or 12ft lengths) which contains magic fire putter outter fairy dust and is released when the tube its contained in melts by way of an engine compartment fire. So now Libby is protected not only by the fire extinguisher I keep at my drivers seat but this new system will give me a jump start on putting out any engine compartment fire before its too late. The 6ft long tube runs $150 and the 12 ft tube runs $180. I purchased the 12 footer since it was an easy way to double the length for only $30 more.

I routed my BlazeCut system with the pressure gauge near the rear most edge of the engine cover so that I can easily open the door and take a peek inside to make sure the suppression tube was still in tact and at proper pressure. This makes it much easier to inspect when I do my “preflight check” of the van prior to leaving on a long road trip.

The idea of adding this suppression system may not be for everyone but I can say for me, it’s the best $180 I’ve spent on my van to date in regards to safety. I certainly do not want to be one of the unfortunate Vanagon owners that has watched their van burn to the ground due to an engine compartment fire. This $180 added insurance policy hopefully will help keep me out of that category of owners.

The tube attaches with plastic zip ties and drilling the holes through the fiberglass engine cover is very easy. Total time of the install was about 20 minutes and I can say I feel much more protected while driving since I have this BlazeCut system installed.

I’ve read a few posts from people that have these installed and have had them go off from an apparent engine compartment fire and they say once the fire putter outter fairy dust is released its very loud and noticeable which allowed them to pull over immediately and handle the situation. These owners also noted that the agent left no messy residue to clean up of had any harm on their electronics which is a claim that the manufacturer states as a major advantage. The owners who have had them extinguish fires swear in favor of the systems and plan to install another immediately.

This addition may not be on everyone’s short list but I know in my particular case I feel so much better knowing that I have the BlazeCut system sitting in my engine compartment just in case something arises. This is a product you purchase that you hope you never have to use but I feel that its a must to help protect your van.

If you’d like any more information on the products feel free to leave a comment below and/or check out the Amazon links below for more specs. Thanks!

The Blazecut 6ft, 9ft & 12ft Options can be found HERE.

---

---

---