Engine Fire

[TheGeek]

Car got towed a few days ago due to "lack of starting" at the mall parking lot. Finally got to work on it yesterday to figure out what was wrong. A little checking here and there, nothing. Tried to start it. On the third start, I noticed through the gap in the dashboard and the hood that my engine compartment lit up like a barbecue. Ran in the house, tore out all the crap under the sink to find the fire extinguisher. Got it, ran outside, started spraying. Got it out a few times only for it to reignite from underneath. Eventually got it out and it stayed out. Removed battery.
Total time cooking... anywhere from 45 seconds to 3 or 5 minutes... I had no sense of time. Had some wiring melted under the hood, everything is covered in fire extinquisher powder. Dunno what insurance is going to do, waiting on them to call me back.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Man good thing you caught it before it was too late! The insulation under my hood caught fire once from a huge backfire out of the carb.

 

[Longroof79]

That's one scary situation. Glad to hear that you got it somewhat under control before it became a rolling torch.
You might also want to clean off the chemical from the fire extinguisher. I understand that it's corrosive.
First have your adjuster look at it before hand. Good luck!

 

[TheGeek]

Well, their going to total out the car. Which is a shame because there isn't a dent or spot of rust anywhere on that car. I almost want to see what it would be to buy it back, but on the other hand I just don't care anymore. Thanks to the two guys that posted replies showing concern.

Think I'll be taking my money and go get something a little better on gas. Later.

 

[pontiacgp]

You don't have to accept what the insurance company offers. If I were you I'd get an estimate and demand for that amount to repair your car.

 

[Longroof79]

You don't have to accept what the insurance company offers. If I were you I'd get an estimate and demand for that amount to repair your car.

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X2, I agree.

 

[pontiacgp]

Plus the wiring in the engine bay isn't that complicated and harnesses aren't hard to find so the repair may not be as bad as it looks.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Plus the wiring in the engine bay isn't that complicated and harnesses aren't hard to find so the repair may not be as bad as it looks.

Yea I wouldnt let a Gbody or any car really go to the junkyard just because something like this happened. I could see if it destroyed a lot more than it did but you can save it. Anymore these days older cars will be totalled out if they hit a dog!