Diesel engines Fire warning

Diesel-engined T3/T25s are not immune to engine bay fires!

The main area that causes these (not uncommon) fires, is the electrical system engine bay junction box, n/s rear. This is the small black box attached to the engine bay firewall (!) in the left hand rear corner as you face the vehicle. Almost all the engine loom wiring goes into or exits this junction box, which contains a couple of round multi-connectors as well as the glow plug relay.

HarryMann: All a bit tight in there isn't it? In fact, due to the large currents used by the glow plug system and the tight space in that area with lots of wires close together this can be a bit of a fire hazard.

There's a 50~55 Amp fusible link in that box (for the glows) - first make sure it hasn't been replaced by a length of copper wire! If it's blown, GSF do them I believe.

It is not easy, but keep this area as neat and tidy as possible, and pay particular attention to the condition of the wiring and the connections that relate to the (high-current) glow plug wires - if these should short for any reasonable length of time you could well have a plastics/electrical fire on your hands.

NB. Smell acrid fumes after start up - immediately check this srea and look for smoke and smells in that area.

NB. Another area that is a candidate for electrical problems and fires is above the starter motor... the wiring from the battery +ve to the starter motor +ve can sometimes flex/wear and degrade to the point that engine rock puts a direct battery live onto the underbody recess in that area. Insulate these connections well and strap, wrap, and cable tie them securely against inadvertant contact with the vehicle bodwork.