Ok so "burst" is an overstatement, but it was still exiting.
So today I was headed to the lake for a day of boating, I had just fueled up both the SUV and the boat. I was headed down a 2 lane, curvy, residential area with many different neighborhood all around and the out of no where the RPM's drop. So after this, I look for a place to turn off. I drive about 50 more feet and see a big neighborhood on the left to turn into about the same time all of the warning light come on on the dash. About as I turn into the neighborhood, the engine cuts off and I coast to a stop.
When the car stops I see smoke coming from under the hood and then it starts coming in from under the dash. I carefully open the hood and behind the engine I spot flames. The first thing I can think of is the gallon of water I had in the suv and I pour it over the fire, seems like I've put it out. I go around the SUV and open all the doors to try and get all the smoke ut and underneath the car it is dripping fire (burnt plastic, Gas?, don't know). I went back to the the engine compartment and it was a blaze again. I had already grabbed my fire extinguisher and decided it was time to use it and call the fire dept.
By the time the fire dept arrives the flames had spread into the cabin and it was coming up through between the driver seat and console. The fire fighters get there and rip out all the console, battery, dash, trying to put the fire out. They end up sticking a water hose in the console and spraying a ton of foam in the interior.
There assessment....
The catalytic converters got hot, burnt the wiring harness, and it went from there.
Anyone having any similar stories about towing mishaps? Any words of courage? I think its safe to say I didn't make it to the lake today.
Here are some pictures...