What was I thinkig?

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by awthacker

Speaking of dumb moves... I blew my engine up about two weeks ago. Tried to start it, forgetting that the the plugs were out. The fuel under the cowling caught a spark somewhere and BLAMO! Lesson learned there. The explosion separated one of the latches from the cowling (which was easily epoxied back), blowing it halfway open and starting a small fire that burned on the fuel and oil in the motor housing until extinguished. I then learned that the extinguisher on the boat had no charge and had to dash for another in the garage. Overall no damage. Just some burnt wire sleeves. The only real bummer was that some fire extinguisher discharge made it into the open cylinders. I blew them out with compressed air and cleaned it the best I could. I'm hoping that didn't or won't cause any harm.

Which is exactly why you carry a Co2 extinguisher onboard your boat. No residue to clean up. I'm sorry you had the fire. Lesson learned as they say.

Because ot the EPA, tree huggers and global warming BS you can no longer buy them, but if you can find them the absolute best extinguisher to have is a Halon unit. Safe, effective and zero residue. Next best is the Co2 units, but not as safe in a confined space since the carbon dioxide displaces oxygen. Lastly is the good old dry powder that you used.. good, effective but makes a mess to cleanup afterwards.