Underhood fire - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

AJs72K5 · 02-08-2009, 09:52 PM

Major setback today. Been having some fuel delivery issues and and was adjusting the rear float on the carb today. Made some adjustments and was about to button it up. Apparently more gas than I thought came out of the float sight. Rocked the truck to see where I was on the sight and, as far as I can tell, some gas splashed onto the hot header. Next thing I know, the whole back side of the engine is on fire. I closed the hood while I tried to find a fire extinguisher (I didn't see the one in plain sight

). I got it put out and I'm ok.

Damage to motor: distributer melted, plug wires melted, carb is scorched, a bunch of wiring melted.

Damage to paint: hood paint is shot, cowl is scorched, and of all things the firewall is scorched.

No pics today...didn't have the camera with me. Will put some up tomorrow. Still kinda in shock...have to figure out what to do first...

Critter · 02-08-2009, 10:11 PM

Holy Crap thats terrible! At least you weren't hurt, and I guess the truck could have ended up ALOT worse. This should be a lesson to all of us to keep a fire estinguisher handy just in case. Imagine what would have happended if you didn't find one when you did!

bouncytruck · 02-08-2009, 10:15 PM

Wow, this sucks. On the plus side, it was confined to the engine compartment.

**jaros44sr** · 02-08-2009, 11:03 PM

Sorry, bro. That really sucks! Sure, it had to happen to one of the few of us that actually win trophies...Glad you're OK

I've got some spare parts you can have, borrow, or buy, whichever suits your budget...Accel dual point w/new points and wires, over or under headers. 8.5 ballast resister and used engine harness. LMK if it helps any...

Tomorrow I will go buy a fire extinguisher, not like I will have fuel in the engine anytime soon

AJs72K5 · 02-08-2009, 11:16 PM

Thanks Jim. I was running HEI. At this point, I need to assess the damage and see how much insurance might cover.

What's really bizzare is my wife just asked the other day whether or not I had a fire extinguisher in the truck.

**jaros44sr** · 02-08-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJs72K5

Thanks Jim. I was running HEI. At this point, I need to assess the damage and see how much insurance might cover.

What's really bizzare is my wife just asked the other day whether or not I had a fire extinguisher in the truck.

No problem, just lmk if you want to change to dual points for a while

Weird on the wifey thing, maybe I should start to pay attention

Burnsman has a HEI for sale in the classified

OARNGESI · 02-08-2009, 11:40 PM

sorry to hear that

**lks dcvn** · 02-09-2009, 12:21 AM

AJ - sorry to hear that as well-

As mentioned - it could have been worse - you will have it buttoned up in no time I bet.

BLUE THUNDER · 02-09-2009, 12:45 AM

Holy crap!!!!! Dude, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad to hear you're ok. You are very lucky that the fire didn't spread to the rest of the truck, or worse, the building it was in. If you need any help gimme a call. Mario

AJs72K5 · 02-09-2009, 12:49 AM

Thanks everyone. Finally settling down a bit and was checking my insurance coverage. Found this in the "exclusions section":

We will not cover: .....

2. Loss or damage caused by any
repairing, renovating or refinishing
process unless the process results in a
fire or explosion. We will pay only for
damage caused by the fire or explosion.

Sounds a little promising...

BLUE THUNDER · 02-09-2009, 01:18 AM

Give me a call if need a hand filing the claim. This is right up my alley. What ins co is it?

vtblazer · 02-09-2009, 07:06 AM

Time for fuel injection now!

Sorry, only trying to lighten the situation.

Engine fires suck, been there before.

Relieved to hear you & the garage came out okay though.

It's a lot to clean up and repair but knowing the work you do, it'll end up better than before.

Same offer Jim threw out, if there's anything you need that I might have, please ask.

AJs72K5 · 02-09-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUE THUNDER

Give me a call if need a hand filing the claim. This is right up my alley. What ins co is it?

I've got Hagerty's. First time dealing with them on a claim, so we'll see...

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtblazer

Time for fuel injection now!

Funny you say that...that was one of the things floating thru my head this morning. Depends on how much, if any, the settlement is.

**Yukon Jack** · 02-09-2009, 10:00 AM

Good luck with the insurance company and getting it repaired. I would be surprised if Hagerty's gives you any trouble.

Skirkpat · 02-09-2009, 11:43 AM

Bummer, It happened to me when I was 17, I drove thiry minutes to a party, pulled up and shut my 1969 camaro convertible of and heard a little "poof" so I sat there and wondered what it was and all of the sudden my paint on my hood started to bubble, I could not figure it out until I popped the hood and saw a fire on my uncovered carb....I was in a gravel parking lot so I grabed a hand full of rocks and threw it one fire, yah I know, really F'n stupid...I was kinda panicky.... good ending though after it burned out. I drove it home and somehow the choke must have been closed because no gravel made its way itn the cylinders?

Jtrux · 02-09-2009, 12:41 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=327385

vtblazer · 02-09-2009, 12:45 PM

Great link Jtrux!

I posted on the sale thread letting him know Aj might be lookin'

AJs72K5 · 02-09-2009, 06:59 PM

Geez. Now you guys have gone and done it. It was just a thought this morning...now you've got me considering...

Big J · 02-09-2009, 07:24 PM

Sorry to hear that. I'm sure you'll have it up and lookin' killer in no time.

AJs72K5 · 02-09-2009, 07:51 PM

This is painful. Looks worse in person than it does in the pics.

Underside of hood should be bright silver. You can see in the middle where I tried to wipe it.

vtblazer · 02-09-2009, 08:06 PM

At least it wasn't a fiberglass hood I guess.

Even burnt up your blazer looks good.

low'n slow · 02-09-2009, 10:58 PM

Damn Holleys, should of had a Q-jet!

Just kidding. Sorry for yor setback. As others have said, I'm glad it wasn't worse than it is.

Burt4x4 · 02-10-2009, 09:57 AM

Damn that sucks major bigtime dude!
looks like a few hrs of work and a wad of cash are in the future.
Good Luck Man!

02-08-2009, 09:52 PM	#1
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Underhood fire Major setback today. Been having some fuel delivery issues and and was adjusting the rear float on the carb today. Made some adjustments and was about to button it up. Apparently more gas than I thought came out of the float sight. Rocked the truck to see where I was on the sight and, as far as I can tell, some gas splashed onto the hot header. Next thing I know, the whole back side of the engine is on fire. I closed the hood while I tried to find a fire extinguisher (I didn't see the one in plain sight ). I got it put out and I'm ok. Damage to motor: distributer melted, plug wires melted, carb is scorched, a bunch of wiring melted. Damage to paint: hood paint is shot, cowl is scorched, and of all things the firewall is scorched. No pics today...didn't have the camera with me. Will put some up tomorrow. Still kinda in shock...have to figure out what to do first... __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff Last edited by AJs72K5; 02-08-2009 at 10:07 PM.

02-08-2009, 10:11 PM	#2
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: Underhood fire Holy Crap thats terrible! At least you weren't hurt, and I guess the truck could have ended up ALOT worse. This should be a lesson to all of us to keep a fire estinguisher handy just in case. Imagine what would have happended if you didn't find one when you did! __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com

02-08-2009, 10:15 PM	#3
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Underhood fire Wow, this sucks. On the plus side, it was confined to the engine compartment. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

02-08-2009, 11:03 PM	#4
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,704	Re: Underhood fire Sorry, bro. That really sucks! Sure, it had to happen to one of the few of us that actually win trophies...Glad you're OK I've got some spare parts you can have, borrow, or buy, whichever suits your budget...Accel dual point w/new points and wires, over or under headers. 8.5 ballast resister and used engine harness. LMK if it helps any... Tomorrow I will go buy a fire extinguisher, not like I will have fuel in the engine anytime soon __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

02-08-2009, 11:16 PM	#5
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Underhood fire Thanks Jim. I was running HEI. At this point, I need to assess the damage and see how much insurance might cover. What's really bizzare is my wife just asked the other day whether or not I had a fire extinguisher in the truck. __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

02-08-2009, 11:40 PM	#7
OARNGESI Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CASA GRANDE AZ Posts: 4,276	Re: Underhood fire sorry to hear that __________________ 70 SWB STEPSIDE 70 BLAZER 09 challenger

02-09-2009, 12:21 AM	#8
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,346	Re: Underhood fire AJ - sorry to hear that as well- As mentioned - it could have been worse - you will have it buttoned up in no time I bet.

02-09-2009, 12:45 AM	#9
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: Underhood fire Holy crap!!!!! Dude, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad to hear you're ok. You are very lucky that the fire didn't spread to the rest of the truck, or worse, the building it was in. If you need any help gimme a call. Mario

02-09-2009, 12:49 AM	#10
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Underhood fire Thanks everyone. Finally settling down a bit and was checking my insurance coverage. Found this in the "exclusions section": We will not cover: ..... 2. Loss or damage caused by any repairing, renovating or refinishing process unless the process results in a fire or explosion. We will pay only for damage caused by the fire or explosion. Sounds a little promising... __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

02-09-2009, 01:18 AM	#11
BLUE THUNDER Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 993	Re: Underhood fire Give me a call if need a hand filing the claim. This is right up my alley. What ins co is it?

02-09-2009, 07:06 AM	#12
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Underhood fire Time for fuel injection now! Sorry, only trying to lighten the situation. Engine fires suck, been there before. Relieved to hear you & the garage came out okay though. It's a lot to clean up and repair but knowing the work you do, it'll end up better than before. Same offer Jim threw out, if there's anything you need that I might have, please ask.

02-09-2009, 10:00 AM	#14
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Underhood fire Good luck with the insurance company and getting it repaired. I would be surprised if Hagerty's gives you any trouble. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-09-2009, 11:43 AM	#15
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: Underhood fire Bummer, It happened to me when I was 17, I drove thiry minutes to a party, pulled up and shut my 1969 camaro convertible of and heard a little "poof" so I sat there and wondered what it was and all of the sudden my paint on my hood started to bubble, I could not figure it out until I popped the hood and saw a fire on my uncovered carb....I was in a gravel parking lot so I grabed a hand full of rocks and threw it one fire, yah I know, really F'n stupid...I was kinda panicky.... good ending though after it burned out. I drove it home and somehow the choke must have been closed because no gravel made its way itn the cylinders?

02-09-2009, 12:41 PM	#16
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Underhood fire http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=327385 __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

02-09-2009, 12:45 PM	#17
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Underhood fire Great link Jtrux! I posted on the sale thread letting him know Aj might be lookin'



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02-09-2009, 06:59 PM	#18
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Underhood fire Geez. Now you guys have gone and done it. It was just a thought this morning...now you've got me considering... __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

02-09-2009, 07:24 PM	#19
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: Underhood fire Sorry to hear that. I'm sure you'll have it up and lookin' killer in no time. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

02-09-2009, 07:51 PM	#20
AJs72K5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: South Tx Posts: 1,083	Re: Underhood fire This is painful. Looks worse in person than it does in the pics. Underside of hood should be bright silver. You can see in the middle where I tried to wipe it. __________________ - AJ Gray Matter Build - 1972 K5 with some stuff

02-09-2009, 08:06 PM	#21
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Underhood fire At least it wasn't a fiberglass hood I guess. Even burnt up your blazer looks good. Last edited by vtblazer; 02-09-2009 at 08:06 PM.

02-09-2009, 10:58 PM	#22
low'n slow Too Dumb To Know Better Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 882	Re: Underhood fire Damn Holleys, should of had a Q-jet! Just kidding. Sorry for yor setback. As others have said, I'm glad it wasn't worse than it is.

02-10-2009, 09:57 AM	#23
Burt4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,842	Re: Underhood fire Damn that sucks major bigtime dude! looks like a few hrs of work and a wad of cash are in the future. Good Luck Man! __________________ 1972 K5 MPFI454/Sm465/Np205/D60/14FFd/Re-Centerd H1s w/Swamper Iroks

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