Red Car FIRE
08-03-2016, 01:04 PM
#76
So with the recent rash of 928 fires, has it got to the point where fuel and PS line replacement should be considered as important a must do as the TB/WP?
It may be a false impression I have, but TB/WP threads, fixes, discussions, etc., outnumber fuel line/PS replacement talk by like 100 to 1. And since I've started hanging around Rennlist about a year a ago, I don't recall one new thread being posted by someone that totaled their engine due to a TB failure. But there has been at least half a dozen fires in that time.
You guys that have been on here for a long time could verify this, but my guess is that most of the TB failures that happened were over a decade ago and awareness through those failures got everyone being more vigilant in replacing them and/or looking for cars to buy that had them done recently. Now you hardly hear about a failure. I think now we are at a similar crossroads with the flammable fluid lines. Heck, before I bought my 928 I read the buyer's guides, bought Dave Hemmings' book, read the New Visitor sticky and I don't recall there ever being a mention of checking to make sure the lines were recently replaced. IMO I think the New Vistor sticky should add this issue, along with a link to the most useful fuel/PS replacement write-up available. Which by the way is???? I think Dwayne only ever did one for just the one PS line.
It may be a false impression I have, but TB/WP threads, fixes, discussions, etc., outnumber fuel line/PS replacement talk by like 100 to 1. And since I've started hanging around Rennlist about a year a ago, I don't recall one new thread being posted by someone that totaled their engine due to a TB failure. But there has been at least half a dozen fires in that time.
You guys that have been on here for a long time could verify this, but my guess is that most of the TB failures that happened were over a decade ago and awareness through those failures got everyone being more vigilant in replacing them and/or looking for cars to buy that had them done recently. Now you hardly hear about a failure. I think now we are at a similar crossroads with the flammable fluid lines. Heck, before I bought my 928 I read the buyer's guides, bought Dave Hemmings' book, read the New Visitor sticky and I don't recall there ever being a mention of checking to make sure the lines were recently replaced. IMO I think the New Vistor sticky should add this issue, along with a link to the most useful fuel/PS replacement write-up available. Which by the way is???? I think Dwayne only ever did one for just the one PS line.
08-03-2016, 01:53 PM
#78
Former Sponsor
The fuel lines, on this engine, were all brand new....and I converted the car to the later S4 pressure regulator so I could get rid of the stock short rubber return hose.
Van had been chasing a fuel injector issue and had installed a set of rebuilt injectors.
Only 6 of the 8 injectors worked and he had been attempting to get the other 2 to spray. One had an electrical connector problem and the other one seemed to be stuck. He had removed and re-installed it several times.
My guess would be that there was a small fuel leak, associated with taking this injector in and out or the injector itself had a leak where the plastic and metal come together.
The source of the spark? Plug wires and all of the ignition components were all new. 14 pin loom was new.
The alternator makes sparks off if the brushes, but the rear cover and foam seal were present.
Probably never know....
Hopefully we can fix the car...I've certainly fixed ones worse than this appears.
Van had been chasing a fuel injector issue and had installed a set of rebuilt injectors.
Only 6 of the 8 injectors worked and he had been attempting to get the other 2 to spray. One had an electrical connector problem and the other one seemed to be stuck. He had removed and re-installed it several times.
My guess would be that there was a small fuel leak, associated with taking this injector in and out or the injector itself had a leak where the plastic and metal come together.
The source of the spark? Plug wires and all of the ignition components were all new. 14 pin loom was new.
The alternator makes sparks off if the brushes, but the rear cover and foam seal were present.
Probably never know....
Hopefully we can fix the car...I've certainly fixed ones worse than this appears.
08-03-2016, 02:14 PM
#79
Drifting
Wow, total bummer. Hope your insurance company come through. Decent chance the engine survived, but like Jim mentioned all the plastic components, sensors, wires and such will need to be replaced. Hans installed an engine from a car that looks just like yours after the fire (also shortly after working on the fuel system) and it's still running.
08-03-2016, 02:36 PM
#80
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I am in the same boat. I had an engine fire last year and have slowly been amassing parts for the rebuild. It is mostly plastic bits, sensors, wiring harness and cosmetic stuff. Engine looks o.k. other than charring and smoke damage on newly painted parts from the intake refresh.
I am taking the slow boat to China approach on my rebuild.
I am taking the slow boat to China approach on my rebuild.
08-03-2016, 03:58 PM
#81
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Bill Ball and I just completed a study of it and our conclusion is that it's repairable. The right side is not all that bad which means the loom on that side is hopefully not toast. We both think that the motor is OK, It's just ugly.
What we think happened is the number 8 injector that we struggled with and finally got to work came loose as the metal clip that held in on may not have been a strong as it should of been. We were both fully aware of it. After I got all 8 cyl to work, drove it for a few miles and pulled over to inspect the number 8
It appeared to be Ok. A few blocks later my guess is it popped off. The fuel under pressure spraying every where. As soon as I smelled fuel i was looking for a place to stop.
The insurance company looked at it today (USAA). It appears that they will be generous with a settlement. However the question remains, do we spend the money to fix it which is an unknown and live with car that has a salvage title so the value in marginalized or take the money and run.
The interior is Ok, no smells
It really comes down to money and keeping another 928 on the road
What we think happened is the number 8 injector that we struggled with and finally got to work came loose as the metal clip that held in on may not have been a strong as it should of been. We were both fully aware of it. After I got all 8 cyl to work, drove it for a few miles and pulled over to inspect the number 8
It appeared to be Ok. A few blocks later my guess is it popped off. The fuel under pressure spraying every where. As soon as I smelled fuel i was looking for a place to stop.
The insurance company looked at it today (USAA). It appears that they will be generous with a settlement. However the question remains, do we spend the money to fix it which is an unknown and live with car that has a salvage title so the value in marginalized or take the money and run.
The interior is Ok, no smells
It really comes down to money and keeping another 928 on the road
08-03-2016, 04:20 PM
#82
Rennlist Member
Van - my .02$ - take the money and run - after the struggles that you had with it before, no use diving back in. You will end up really disliking this car and being more frustrated than you were before. Send it to Mark so that he can dispense with it and use the many great parts for other cars.
08-03-2016, 04:23 PM
#83
In the USA if the insurance pays out the current owner and he keeps it does it get a salvage title? Up here the title can't be changed to salvage unless the vehicle is transferred to the insurance company.
08-03-2016, 04:31 PM
#84
Administrator - "Tyson"
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
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+1
Fight the insurance company on the title change unless there is specific verbiage in California law that states otherwise.
I've seen cars at the insurance auto auctions rolled into a ball and set on fire being sold with clean titles.
Fight the insurance company on the title change unless there is specific verbiage in California law that states otherwise.
I've seen cars at the insurance auto auctions rolled into a ball and set on fire being sold with clean titles.
08-03-2016, 04:37 PM
#85
Rennlist Member
In Texas, there are very specific payout amounts that cannot be exceeded by the insurance company if a salvage title is to be forthcoming.
In my instance, the amount exceeded that specific payout amount and the title was required by the state to remain un-branded. (I was happy
) Same insurance company BTW.
YMMV
In my instance, the amount exceeded that specific payout amount and the title was required by the state to remain un-branded. (I was happy
) Same insurance company BTW.YMMV
08-03-2016, 05:35 PM
#86
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
There is a 88 S4 5sp on the PCA website for sale. It's in NY
Anyone know anything about it? Silver with burgundy interior 65k on the clock. It looks clean but a bit high in the front, not the original owner
Anyone know anything about it? Silver with burgundy interior 65k on the clock. It looks clean but a bit high in the front, not the original owner
08-03-2016, 05:58 PM
#87
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I'm 60/40 on just taking the money and buying a newer car and selling to Mark. At least it's in the family but it all depends on what the insurance company will want for it vs what Mark will pay
Moving on.....here it the 88 in NY for sale
Moving on.....here it the 88 in NY for sale
08-03-2016, 07:17 PM
#88
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Location: Adirondack Mountains, New York
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If it's the one I think it is, I was looking into it last fall. The guy was traveling a lot and was talking about a higher price after having $2-3K work done. I have not seen this higher price listed in Panorama. I found it on CL Westchester. I thought it might scratch my itch for a manual, but the itch subsided.
I don't think I can volunteer to look at it for you - four hours away, and too tempting.
Last edited by Adk46; 08-03-2016 at 07:33 PM.
08-03-2016, 10:25 PM
#90
Team Owner
Van sorry to hear of if the tribulations of your fine machine
I hope the next one provides worry free enjoyment.
What a bummer to see that beauty go up in smoke.
I know where there are 2 rollers in Boston,
both 1985 cars one is a Euro Guards red and one is a USA car black
I hope the next one provides worry free enjoyment.
What a bummer to see that beauty go up in smoke.
I know where there are 2 rollers in Boston,
both 1985 cars one is a Euro Guards red and one is a USA car black