Case Study: 1995 Ford Escort
Fuels Available

Collision damage to the Escort occurred high on the engine from a protruding trailer hitch on the Chevrolet truck that was struck; the intrusion caused damage that allowed oil and coolant to escape. The cam cover was fractured, spilling oil down the front of the engine and onto the exhaust manifold. The passenger side radiator tank was broken near the top, allowing coolant to reach the same area. The entire driver side radiator tank was also broken. Collision damage fractured the base of the power steering reservoir, emptying its contents on the right side of the engine compartment. Power steering fluid leakage was well outboard or below heat damage; there is no evidence that the fluid reached the vicinity of the fire so it was less likely to be a source of fuel for the fire.

White arrows show the dislodged alternator (left arrow) and the damage caused by the intrusion of the trailer hitch from the pickup (right arrow). (see larger photo)