LukeG

I have had my DEI turbo blanket on for a about six months now. No issues other than the usual smoke from the first drive after installing it. I am very cautious about getting any liquids near it or on it. I have even actively defended the use of them on here and elsewhere. I only used DEI (what I thought was the best) and my turbo blanket was about $210.

Decided to test out the Launch Control this morning in a secluded area. Did two 4k rpm launches within 60 seconds and I notice smoke coming from under the driver side rear hood immediately. Pull over, jump out and see small flames over the turbo. ******* turbo blanket. Grabbed my Tundra fire spray that I always keep in my backpack and it was out about 10 seconds later. Let it sit and cool down. Inspected everything and other than a soaked heat shield making steam, the car was fine. Drove home keeping it under 2k rpm and aftermath pics are below.

The Tundra fire spray I used is pretty awesome. I just recently ditched my traditional automotive extinguisher with the shitty powder spray for the Tundra foam in a can because it fits in my backpack better. Well it worked incredibly well and was very easy to aim. It is also super easy to clean up the foam and I am very happy with it. Will be keeping a can in my backpack permanently.

Learn from my mistake and I'll be actively telling people not to use turbo blankets from now. That could have been way worse and that was no cheap Chinese knock-off blanket either.

Fire Spray I used:

18psi

iTrader: (76)

I find it hard to believe it caught fire without anything being sprayed/leaked onto it. Are you 100% sure your oil feed or something else isn't leaking?

LukeG

Just went back to find out what caused it and you are 100% correct. The fitting on top of the turbo for the oil feed came loose and was leaking onto the turbo blanket. Regardless, I'll never use one again. It essentially prevented me from seeing an oil leak that was there for who knows how long. Not one drop of oil came off the engine prior that would give any signs of a leak and it looks like me testing the launch control sent the loose fitting over the edge between the heat and already loose fitting.

How are you guys getting to the turbo oil feed bolt on top to tighten it (GT2560)? Looks like the previous owner didn't do a very good job torquing it down and I just tried without being able to get much access to it.

miata2fast

iTrader: (2)

....

curly

iTrader: (25)

I'm assuming your oil feed has a swivel function so you can actually tighten it? Also ditch the rubber feed line for a proper crimped SS line. How you haven't had a more disastrous oil leak before this incident is a mystery to me.

LukeG

The rubber hose is simply a cover. There is a stainless line underneath it.

It swivels, but I can't get enough clearance to move it with a wrench.

18psi

iTrader: (76)

*edit: nvm

B Mike

Doesn't FM make a big deal about not using that stuff on exhaust and assuming turbo's also?

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

Here's my told ya so post.

miataman04

iTrader: (1)

Whelp thats a fun lesson to learn, I'm going to go check my lines right now.

LukeG

Bronson M

iTrader: (1)

You know the real reason not to run a blanket is to keep from cooking your bearings. Oil fire guarantee is just icing on the cake.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

The bearings are just fine, they are watercooled. The real reason not to run a blanket is because the turbine housing will overheat and slump.