trainman
New Member
I agree, the motor is 750 watts and on a cold start will try to pull 60 amps or so thru the cables, the cables are peak rated but not continuously rated to handle this size of current (If they were they might be the size of your finger) , they also lose rating by being loomed with other cables (so the heat has no where to go), eventually the insulation or terminal crimp will catch and then, as you say, under the tank there is plenty of fuel hosing to melt throughOldRider said:The OP stated that she kept the starter turning for about a minute and she saw smoke coming out from under the side cover. She let off the started and the smoke got heavier and then flames came out from under the cover. I think her fire was caused by the relay and/or cables getting way too hot in an inclosed area with plenty of stuff to flame up.
two bits of advice from me - keep an extinguisher in the garage (I have used one before, don't ask) and live on a hill!!