Autolite 4100 caught fire while cruising

yep, that's right .... it caught fire. Pulled over in a parking lot and notice the engine running rough. Opened the hood and revved it from the throttle and saw a fiery glow coming from the carb through the air filter. I immediately shut it off and checked around the carb for wetness. All dry, so i started her back up ... ran smooth as glass with no fire. I got it home and checked it again and still no fire. What could have caused this? Maybe flooded it while at start?

 

The 4100 has open vents in the fuel bowl area....the vapors probably caught fire......nothing else to burn and put itself out......

 

If you don't have a fire extinquisher in the car it probably is a good time to add one.

Don

 

I agree - why take a chance , once the possibility posed itself ?

 

Float needle/seat problem,,trash getting by the filter,,float pivot pin loose,,,