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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ It went up in flames ... Twice
Posted by: vnault Apr 16 2016, 09:16 PM
Well today is a sad day.
I had an appointment to the garage d'o install a thousand dollars worth of parts on my recently bought 914 for my 35th birthday.... Also I wanted them to check for the strong fuel odor since I got it out after the winter.
Today it was the first really hot day... 19 degree C and it was sunny. I took the car out... 5 miles of slow driving.... I hear a strange "glurp" while accelerating.... I look back, there was smoke, flame ... I park get my girl to safety, I found water... I extinguished the fire.... Before the firefighter arrived....still they gave the engine bay good rince.
I towed the car to a nearby garage... I think there was still something to do with the car.
I put a cover on the car and I go home.
6 hours later the police call to tell me that my car was on fire...again. I and the firefighter did not think about disconnecting the batterie.... Probably a spark....
I don't know what h will do.
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Posted by: vnault Apr 16 2016, 09:20 PM
That was me 2 minutes before...
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Posted by: siverson Apr 16 2016, 09:27 PM
Argh that sucks. Sorry to hear about it. Wait to see exactly what is damaged before making any decisions. Maybe it is minor. Maybe it is a good opportunity for a 3.6 swap. 
-Steve
Posted by: 396 Apr 16 2016, 09:35 PM
Unless you have a budget close to 20 k for a refreshed 3.6.
The better option would be a 3.2.
Most of the 3.6 market are being impacted by Singer's power plant of choice at this time.
Posted by: JRust Apr 16 2016, 09:36 PM
Dude I been there 
. Take some breath. I hope you are fully covered for it. Insurance can be a great thing for sure. Take some time & access what happened. Your car certainly looks intact & savable. Strip your drivetrain & all associated burned stuff. Replace your wiring harness from the engine bay to the fuse block. Find a donor car & you'll get your car back. All depends what happens with insurance if you have coverage. May pay enough for you to just buy another 914 . Best of luck bud.
Takes a while to realize you were lucky in this situation. Could have been so much worse. You & your daughter are safe. Sucks abut your car but it's replaceable & fixable. Keep your chin up
Posted by: boxstr Apr 16 2016, 09:36 PM
Sorry to see that happen. I have had this experience in the past. This is the time for other drivers to consider adding a halon fire extinguisher to there driving equipment.
Craig at CAMP
Posted by: cuddyk Apr 16 2016, 09:43 PM
Glad you and your daughter are safe! I came SO close to the same fate... A plug came loose on one of my carbs and poured gas all over the engine. Super scary. I can't even imagine what you went through. How quickly were you able to pull over and get out?
Posted by: Pursang Apr 16 2016, 09:54 PM
The fact that you and your daughter got out without any injury is the most important fact in this accident.
Posted by: mein_tag Apr 17 2016, 12:00 AM
very eery. Sounds exactly how my 951 caught fire. Hopefully the insurance comes through, and you get her up and running!
Posted by: euro911 Apr 17 2016, 12:11 AM
Sorry about your car, but glad to hear there were no injuries.
Posted by: vnault Apr 17 2016, 04:41 AM
I was waiting to get the parts on the car to get a professional evaluation..and without that l was insured only for others.
I will see on Monday what the damage is and what the instance say.
Posted by: Coondog Apr 17 2016, 05:47 AM
Glad you and your daughter are OK. Fire Dept should have known to DC the battery, that's basic car fire 101 stuff..... 
get a very detailed account of the damage before you sign off with a agreed settlement with the Ins company. It's always harder to go back after they cut you the check.
Posted by: JRust Apr 17 2016, 09:02 AM
I was waiting to get the parts on the car to get a professional evaluation..and without that l was insured only for others.
That doesn't bode well
. Hopefully there is some coverage bud. If there isn't I would pull your drivetrain right away. Leaving it as is will most likely mean nothing will happen with it. It will be a constant reminder & not in a good way. By getting into it some you may find the fix isn't as bad as you think. In my mind helps get past the experience. To each his own of course. Just hope to keep you in the game with your 914. It is savable
Posted by: SirAndy Apr 17 2016, 11:39 AM
Posted by: Geezer914 Apr 17 2016, 01:03 PM
Fuel smell, did you replace the 40 year old plastic fuel lines? I removed the cigarette
lighter and replaced it with a battery cut off switch. When I worked at a body shop, we had a few wrecked cars go up in flame in the storage lot from electrical shorts. 
Posted by: 76-914 Apr 17 2016, 01:20 PM
Sad day indeed. I think this is the third teener that a member lost to fire since I've been here. I carry an extinguisher but have never needed it; thank God!
Posted by: catsltd Apr 17 2016, 06:42 PM
Sorry for your loss.
Glad you 2 are okay.
Hope it works out for you.
Posted by: veekry9 Apr 17 2016, 08:05 PM
Breaks your heart,then tests your resolve.
So begins the slow never ending task of the re and re of the 914.
A great way to get reacquainted,all over again.
A learning experience.
Bon chance.
/
Posted by: RobW Apr 17 2016, 09:31 PM
Sorry for your misfortune.
Post pictures and get an idea of what is ahead. Damn near all of us have had to rebuild our cars at one point, make a point of getting those smiles back.
Posted by: vnault Apr 18 2016, 11:06 AM
The garage don't think it worth the repair.
They think it will cost more then 5k$ to put it back on the road.
Do you know if there is a engine replacement that is not too expensive ?
They say every thing that was not metal is a total lost in the engine compartment.
Posted by: SirAndy Apr 18 2016, 11:12 AM
The garage don't think it worth the repair.
They think it will cost more then 5k$ to put it back on the road.
Do you know if there is a engine replacement that is not too expensive ?
They say every thing that was not metal is a total lost in the engine compartment.
How handy are you with tools?
You can get a used 1.7L for relatively cheap. You can get a used main wire harness and engine harness for the electrical.
You'll need some other assorted parts, but they can all be sourced used. I think the 5k quote from the shop is probably more labor than parts.
If you can do the work yourself, you can probably get her back on the road for 1/2 that.
Posted by: mrholland2 Apr 18 2016, 11:24 AM
I have a 1975 harness (Full car) that I bought and would love to resell. I have to see what I have in it. (if it would help)
The garage don't think it worth the repair.
They think it will cost more then 5k$ to put it back on the road.
Do you know if there is a engine replacement that is not too expensive ?
They say every thing that was not metal is a total lost in the engine compartment.
How handy are you with tools?
You can get a used 1.7L for relatively cheap. You can get a used main wire harness and engine harness for the electrical.
You'll need some other assorted parts, but they can all be sourced used. I think the 5k quote from the shop is probably more labor than parts.
If you can do the work yourself, you can probably get her back on the road for 1/2 that.
Posted by: RobW Apr 18 2016, 01:15 PM
Take the bull by the horns and see what you can do. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.
Posted by: mbseto Apr 18 2016, 02:10 PM
Glad you and the kid are OK. Hope you can bring the teener back.
Posted by: euro911 Apr 19 2016, 12:51 AM
Start a list of items you're going to need and post it here.
I'm sure there's some spare parts floating around that you can get for either low costs or possibly donated for just the shipping costs.
Posted by: Steve Pratel Apr 19 2016, 01:16 AM
This stinks........ Very glad you got your little girl to safety and that you and she were not injured. I'm about at grandpa stage, and worry about this, makes my heart hurt. I have FE's in every car, only needed one time, saved my families life.
In time the pain of the fire will pass and you will use it to make the car better!
Posted by: vnault Apr 20 2016, 11:25 AM
Thanks for all the informations.
I don't have a garage... if I want to be realistic, the work will have to be done by someone else.
I will try to get a list of the part I would need... on maybe I will bring picture of the interior of the engine compartment and you will be able to tell me what I need.
Thanks again for your support.
Posted by: JRust Apr 20 2016, 11:43 AM
Any members semi close to you? Be great to have a 914 owner assess the damage. No garage does make things a little tougher. I'd be happy to help if you were closer. Be happy to help with parts if I have anything you need. Get a list going & let's see what we can do
Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 20 2016, 11:44 AM
Thanks for all the informations.
I don't have a garage... if I want to be realistic, the work will have to be done by someone else.
I will try to get a list of the part I would need... on maybe I will bring picture of the interior of the engine compartment and you will be able to tell me what I need.
Thanks again for your support.
We're just 300 miles south of you, mostly on I-91.
Another engine fire car just arrived here today.
Posted by: JRust Apr 20 2016, 11:46 AM
We're just 300 miles south of you, mostly on I-91.
Another engine fire car just arrived here today.
I'd highly recommend Chris. May be a trip down to him but well worth it. He could do the job much better than any shop in your area. Even if the decision to move on comes. I think you could feel better about it after Chris checked it out
Posted by: ThePaintedMan Apr 20 2016, 11:49 AM
Take it to Racer Chris at Tangerine Racing in CT. He'll assess the damage, fix what is necessary and knows these cars like few others. You won't be disappointed and I bet he'll save you a lot on what you would spend at other places.
Posted by: Porschef Apr 20 2016, 11:53 AM
Mr. Foley would be the ideal guy to check out your car, let you know what's needed, and provide a fair estimate.
Sorry about your car, the main thing is that you're both ok. Having to put your car back together is really just a sidebar to what could have been a terrible story.
Hope all works out well.
Posted by: vnault Apr 20 2016, 03:01 PM
Mr. Foley would be the ideal guy to check out your car, let you know what's needed, and provide a fair estimate.
Sorry about your car, the main thing is that you're both ok. Having to put your car back together is really just a sidebar to what could have been a terrible story.
Hope all works out well.
Is Mr Foley and Chris the same person ?
I will try to get detailed picture of the car... and we will see what you guys think I should do.
Posted by: SirAndy Apr 20 2016, 03:11 PM
Yes, one and the same ...
Posted by: bandjoey Apr 20 2016, 03:30 PM
Don't know if it would help in this situation but one of the members here sold a fuse bank for the battery wires. I know Chris can do this and others. Better blown fuses than a short to a fire.
Good Luck getting the car back on the road soon!
Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 20 2016, 03:41 PM
Do you know another 914 owner in Sherbrooke?
Someone ordered SS fuel lines from me in February.
Posted by: vnault Apr 20 2016, 06:53 PM
Do you know another 914 owner in Sherbrooke?
Someone ordered SS fuel lines from me in February.
My brother told me he saw one... but I don't him. Can you ask him if I could contact him. Towing my car to you in the USA would be expensive... I think ... and exchange rate is not really good right now, but I will look into it.
I was not able to go to the garage today during daylight to take pictures... I will try to go tomorrow morning.
Posted by: vnault Apr 21 2016, 07:33 AM
Here are the pictures and one vidéo of my car.
Wow my english in the morning really suck !
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sr8uj6zo89ip924/AABVegQ8s8VswHh4YqD214SHa?dl=0&preview=VID_20160421_080031.mp4
Posted by: euro911 Apr 22 2016, 02:45 AM
It's not as bad as I originally thought (mechanically).
You'll need an engine compartment relay box
Round relays and a voltage regulator
Engine and alternator wiring harnesses ... and possibly new battery cables
Distributor cap and sparky wires ... (maybe a distributor)
Possibly an alternator (and belt)
Driver side carburetor will need to be evaluated to see if it's salvageable ... if so, you'll need a rebuild kit (might as well get two and do both)
Your tins look like they'll clean up OK (bead blast & repaint)
Engine bay rubber seals may need replaced (914 rubber has a nice kit)
Others may chime in, as I may have missed a couple of things ...
I'll check my inventory and let you know what I have laying around
Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 22 2016, 07:42 AM
It's not as bad as I originally thought (mechanically).
You'll need an engine compartment relay box
Round relays and a voltage regulator
Engine and alternator wiring harnesses ... and possibly new battery cables
Distributor cap and sparky wires ... (maybe a distributor)
Possibly an alternator (and belt)
Driver side carburetor will need to be evaluated to see if it's salvageable ... if so, you'll need a rebuild kit (might as well get two and do both)
Your tins look like they'll clean up OK (bead blast & repaint)
Engine bay rubber seals may need replaced (914 rubber has a nice kit)
Others may chime in, as I may have missed a couple of things ...
I'll check my inventory and let you know what I have laying around
Everything you mentioned I probably have on a shelf or in a drawer, including carb rebuild kits.
Posted by: vnault Apr 22 2016, 06:09 PM
It's not as bad as I originally thought (mechanically).
You'll need an engine compartment relay box
Round relays and a voltage regulator
Engine and alternator wiring harnesses ... and possibly new battery cables
Distributor cap and sparky wires ... (maybe a distributor)
Possibly an alternator (and belt)
Driver side carburetor will need to be evaluated to see if it's salvageable ... if so, you'll need a rebuild kit (might as well get two and do both)
Your tins look like they'll clean up OK (bead blast & repaint)
Engine bay rubber seals may need replaced (914 rubber has a nice kit)
Others may chime in, as I may have missed a couple of things ...
I'll check my inventory and let you know what I have laying around
Everything you mentioned I probably have on a shelf or in a drawer, including carb rebuild kits.
Waiting for an estimate!
Posted by: Racer Chris Apr 23 2016, 12:24 PM
Waiting for an estimate!
I worked on it some today, should be ready to email on Monday.
Posted by: vnault Apr 23 2016, 12:53 PM
Waiting for an estimate!
I worked on it some today, should be ready to email on Monday.
I can not thank you enough for putting of your own time into this.
Posted by: vnault May 25 2016, 02:57 PM
The car is on its way to Chris Foley ... thanks to Jody from Whitehorse transportation for the great price and service.
Lets hope for a painless resurrection.
Vincent
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Posted by: SirAndy May 25 2016, 03:03 PM
Posted by: mark04usa May 25 2016, 03:29 PM
Vincent, Happy to hear that your car is going to be fixed up right and proper. You'll be enjoying it again soon!
Posted by: RobW May 25 2016, 04:07 PM
Never give up! Something good will come from all this.
Posted by: euro911 May 25 2016, 04:48 PM
Posted by: GregAmy May 25 2016, 08:23 PM
Posted by: r_towle May 25 2016, 08:30 PM
You are in very good hands
Posted by: stugray May 25 2016, 09:23 PM
I could donate a relay board and maybe a dizzy if necessary.
I also have a whole harness in a box with two relay boards.
Interesting how it looks like the voltage regulator melted into a puddle.
Posted by: JRust May 25 2016, 09:51 PM
Ditto on sending it to the right person! You'll come out in the end a happy man. Takes a bit to get past it but your on the right track.
Posted by: mepstein May 26 2016, 05:36 AM
You are in very good hands
100 percent the right person to get the car back on the road.
Posted by: Racer Chris May 26 2016, 08:16 AM
It's here.
Posted by: Racer Chris May 26 2016, 08:19 AM
I could donate a relay board and maybe a dizzy if necessary.
I'll gladly install any donated items.
Posted by: stugray May 26 2016, 09:44 AM
I could donate a relay board and maybe a dizzy if necessary.
I'll gladly install any donated items.
Post a list of needed parts once you get a good look.
And I assume one of the first things is to verify that the PO did not leave the stock Fuel Pump in for a carb install?
Posted by: r_towle May 26 2016, 09:50 AM
I could donate a relay board and maybe a dizzy if necessary.
I'll gladly install any donated items.
Post a list of needed parts once you get a good look.
And I assume one of the first things is to verify that the PO did not leave the stock Fuel Pump in for a carb install?
Engine
Fuel injection
Fuel tank
Wiring harness
Hmmm....should cover it.
Posted by: 2mAn May 26 2016, 10:29 AM
I was sad when I started to read this, but Im loving how its turning out
Posted by: Racer Chris May 26 2016, 10:47 AM
Fuel injection
Hmmm....should cover it.
Carbs, Rich. Do you have a pair to donate?
Posted by: r_towle May 26 2016, 12:11 PM
Fuel injection
Hmmm....should cover it.
Carbs, Rich. Do you have a pair to donate?
I do have a pair.....not for donating though, but will sell them.
Posted by: vnault May 26 2016, 02:06 PM
Thanks for your support guys.
If you have parts that you want to send to Chris, I will be happy to cover shipping fees.
Posted by: Hans Jan May 26 2016, 06:42 PM
Wow. Just read this for first time now.
This is awfull. I know how awfull it is, because mine burned last month.
The silver lining for me has been that it has been the opportunity to go through the entire car.
People on this site are incredibly helpfull. This afternoon I installed the stainless steel fuel lines (from Chris). Please do the same.
Im doing (learning) all the work myself, and spend approx $2K in parts. However not yet repainted. Can't imagine how much labor would be. But you are in good hand with Chris.
Good luck.
Hans Jan
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Posted by: vnault May 26 2016, 07:26 PM
Hans Jan
Your car burnt more then mine! It is great that you are able to save it.
I would have like to be able to do and learn and do the work by myself but I am a small business owner with 3 kids and trying to finish my PhD
. Free time is scarce...
This community found that car for me and will now save it.
Posted by: db9146 May 26 2016, 08:29 PM
I know this might be a little late for some but I just installed the 3m version of BlazeCut under the engine deck lid of my -6. If your haven't seen how it works, check it out on-line. There is a video demo on a VW bus and it works. For $129, its good insurance.
Posted by: Justinp71 May 27 2016, 10:45 AM
We should make a fire prevention annual check list. What are items that should be checked on an annual basis to prevent fires?
-Fuel Lines
-Carb bolts (if equipped)
-Main power feeds from battery are in good shape and not rubbing anywhere on the car
-Fire prevention system intact (fire extinguisher or other)
-???
We could make a template available for printing and people can give there cars a once over every year.
If you guys PM me with items I will volunteer to make this template (unless it exists somewhere?)
Posted by: vnault May 27 2016, 11:52 AM
We should make a fire prevention annual check list. What are items that should be checked on an annual basis to prevent fires?
-Fuel Lines
-Carb bolts (if equipped)
-Main power feeds from battery are in good shape and not rubbing anywhere on the car
-Fire prevention system intact (fire extinguisher or other)
-???
We could make a template available for printing and people can give there cars a once over every year.
If you guys PM me with items I will volunteer to make this template (unless it exists somewhere?)
I think a good maintenance on the carbs after the winter would have saved me a lot of trouble and dollars.
I will now carry a fire extinguisher and I will look into that 3M system.
Posted by: Justinp71 May 27 2016, 02:40 PM
We should make a fire prevention annual check list. What are items that should be checked on an annual basis to prevent fires?
-Fuel Lines
-Carb bolts (if equipped)
-Main power feeds from battery are in good shape and not rubbing anywhere on the car
-Fire prevention system intact (fire extinguisher or other)
-???
We could make a template available for printing and people can give there cars a once over every year.
If you guys PM me with items I will volunteer to make this template (unless it exists somewhere?)
I think a good maintenance on the carbs after the winter would have saved me a lot of trouble and dollars.
I will now carry a fire extinguisher and I will look into that 3M system.
I thought you had an electrical fire? Did you ever find the root of your fire?
The only only item on carbs that wears is the fuel line going to them, but it would be good to check all the brass nuts and bolts for tightness and also look it over for leaks when the fuel pump is on occasionally.
Posted by: patssle May 27 2016, 05:03 PM
Needle valves. They start getting sticky and all of a sudden your floats no longer stop the gas from coming in. This happened to me...immediately replace all 4 (on my flat-six carbs).
Posted by: rhodyguy May 28 2016, 08:42 AM
Examine the carb passageway lead plugs. When one looks further out than the others, it's time to pull the carbs and re-secure them.
Posted by: vnault May 30 2016, 12:01 PM
From what I have been explained and reading... a sticky needle valve with a stuck floater would be the cause of my fire.
I hope Chris will be able to give me more informations soon.
Posted by: stugray May 30 2016, 03:44 PM
stuck needle valve or float will fill up the cylinders with fuel not necessarily overflow the carb.
If the car was running that is not likely the culprit.
If it was sitting there not running, but with the fuel pump On, then maybe.
Posted by: vnault May 30 2016, 06:18 PM
stuck needle valve or float will fill up the cylinders with fuel not necessarily overflow the carb.
If the car was running that is not likely the culprit.
If it was sitting there not running, but with the fuel pump On, then maybe.
The car was running, I suppose Chris Foley will enlighten us soon.
Posted by: Racer Chris May 31 2016, 02:00 PM
stuck needle valve or float will fill up the cylinders with fuel not necessarily overflow the carb.
If the car was running that is not likely the culprit.
If it was sitting there not running, but with the fuel pump On, then maybe.
The car was running, I suppose Chris Foley will enlighten us soon.
The air cleaner is still in relatively good shape on top of the carb so there was no fire in the carburetor.
The lead plugs are still in place.
The fuel hose going to the carb is burnt up - just before the carb fitting. Fuel was leaking out of that hose when the flatbed was tilted to remove the car.
So it appears that the hose may have been leaking enough to fuel the fire, not sure how it started yet.
The second fire appears to be from burnt (alternator maybe) wires shorting out because the battery wasn't disconnected.
Posted by: vnault May 31 2016, 11:12 PM
Thanks for the update Chris!
Posted by: Justinp71 Jun 1 2016, 12:18 PM
Good to know, fuel lines definitely have a lifespan. I am thinking of trying to remove some of my rubber lines in the engine bay and replace with as much hardline as possible. I think when I used to drag race they didn't allow more than 12" of rubber fuel line.
Posted by: JoeD Jun 1 2016, 12:40 PM
I know this might be a little late for some but I just installed the 3m version of BlazeCut under the engine deck lid of my -6. If your haven't seen how it works, check it out on-line. There is a video demo on a VW bus and it works. For $129, its good insurance.
Curious- what length did you use? 6'? 9'? This seems like a relatively cheap and easy step worth taking...
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 2 2016, 02:41 PM
Thanks for the update Chris!
The engine is out.
Posted by: euro911 Jun 2 2016, 04:13 PM
Chris,
Post a list of parts still needed when you get to that point. I may still have some parts I can look for - and donate (when I get back to AZ in July).
Posted by: larryM Jun 3 2016, 11:07 PM
important for anyone reading this who has a 914 that still has the oem plastic lines:
as a few others have suggested -
get rid of the old oem plastic lines - it is a fire waiting to happen
i've been up close to one of these - (not mine)
no hand held fire extinguisher nor engine comp't extinguisher will be capable of putting out a fire at the fuel lines under the car if they crack/break & catch
- the fuel will just run out from the tank in a big stream and keep on burning until the tank runs dry
of course, an agile youth among us with fireproof hands might just be able lie on one's back and "strangle the leak" before he catches fire himself, eh?
.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 11 2016, 09:45 AM
This pic shows most of the parts we need for Vincent's car.
Relay board & cover
Engine wiring harness
Spark plug wires
Motor mounts
Air cleaner
Warm air blower
Roof latch cup
Rubber seals
Needed but not shown:
Rain tray
Trunk rollers
Rear deck lid - yellow, local preferred
Posted by: Harpo Jun 11 2016, 11:38 AM
I have a pair of motor mounts, latch cups & trunk rollers I will send you Chris.
Update: I can't find the motor mounts or the latch cups. I found the trunk rollers but one of them is in 2 pieces. Sorry
David
Posted by: euro911 Jun 11 2016, 01:29 PM
I have a spare air filter element and a set of new sparkie plug wires (for a 1.7/1.8L)
LMK ...
Posted by: JRust Jun 11 2016, 03:37 PM
Relay board & cover
Engine wiring harness
Spark plug wires
Motor mounts
Air cleaner
Warm air blower
Roof latch cup
Rubber seals
Needed but not shown:
Rain tray
Trunk rollers
Rear deck lid - yellow, local preferred
I've got the relay board w/cover, Spark Plug wires & Warm air blower. I may have the engine wiring harness? I'll look to see. I know I have one with a FI brain but not sure about another
. I'll put them in a box along with a WCR swag for you Chris
Posted by: vnault Jun 12 2016, 09:40 PM
You guys are the greatest ! I hope I will have the opportunity to give back to the community.
I was just passing by to tell you that I was starting to watch video of 914 just to listen to the engine and remember the great feeling I had driving it.
Posted by: r_towle Jun 12 2016, 10:04 PM
Chris, what are you missing?
I have wiring harnesses and small stuff, no decent deck lid or tray and
Posted by: GregAmy Jun 13 2016, 06:51 AM
This pic shows most of the parts we need for Vincent's car.
Chris, I may have the relay board and wiring harness, will need to dig through the attic. Remember, a disassembled '74 2L car came with the red street car project, and there's a plastic tub with a lot of wiring in it...I also have a plastic tub of various seals removed from that car as well.
Did you already use the rain tray I brought over a couple weeks ago?
I'm at Pocono for Track Night in America tomorrow, and Weds is tied up as well. Maybe I can bring over the plastic tubs Thursday?
Vincent, I am a very big fan of varying types of IPAs and Double IPAs...just laying that non-sequitor out there...
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 13 2016, 07:47 AM
This pic shows most of the parts we need for Vincent's car.
Chris, I may have the relay board and wiring harness, will need to dig through the attic. Remember, a disassembled '74 2L car came with the red street car project, and there's a plastic tub with a lot of wiring in it...I also have a plastic tub of various seals removed from that car as well.
Did you already use the rain tray I brought over a couple weeks ago?
I'm at Pocono for Track Night in America tomorrow, and Weds is tied up as well. Maybe I can bring over the plastic tubs Thursday?
Vincent, I am a very big fan of varying types of IPAs and Double IPAs...just laying that non-sequitor out there...
I forgot about that rain tray. It is perfect.
I'm hoping to have any donated parts arrive this week so we can be ready to install the engine first thing next week.
Posted by: vnault Jun 14 2016, 09:42 PM
This pic shows most of the parts we need for Vincent's car.
Chris, I may have the relay board and wiring harness, will need to dig through the attic. Remember, a disassembled '74 2L car came with the red street car project, and there's a plastic tub with a lot of wiring in it...I also have a plastic tub of various seals removed from that car as well.
Did you already use the rain tray I brought over a couple weeks ago?
I'm at Pocono for Track Night in America tomorrow, and Weds is tied up as well. Maybe I can bring over the plastic tubs Thursday?
Vincent, I am a very big fan of varying types of IPAs and Double IPAs...just laying that non-sequitor out there...
I will have to find a way to ship beer internationally. Send me your address!
Posted by: JRust Jun 14 2016, 10:32 PM
Sorry I was slow. I'll get the relay board w/cover, spark plug wires & the warm air blower out tomorrow. For Chris I also have your WCR shirt, license plate & Key chain
Posted by: JRust Jun 15 2016, 08:50 PM
Sorry I was slow. I'll get the relay board w/cover, spark plug wires & the warm air blower out tomorrow. For Chris I also have your WCR shirt, license plate & Key chain
I sent these today UPS ground! So not going to be there this week. Sorry Chris
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 16 2016, 04:54 AM
Sorry I was slow. I'll get the relay board w/cover, spark plug wires & the warm air blower out tomorrow. For Chris I also have your WCR shirt, license plate & Key chain
I sent these today UPS ground! So not going to be there this week. Sorry Chris
The blower can be installed after the engine is in.
We can come up with a relay board.
The cover can go on later.
Still short on plug wires though. I haven't seen a good used set around the shop lately.
Posted by: JRust Jun 16 2016, 01:09 PM
The blower can be installed after the engine is in.
We can come up with a relay board.
The cover can go on later.
Still short on plug wires though. I haven't seen a good used set around the shop lately.
Sorry didn't want to throw money away doing overnight. The wires I sent are brand new a buddy gave me. Hopefully they will show early next week.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 16 2016, 02:20 PM
Sorry didn't want to throw money away doing overnight.
Priority Mail - 2-3 days.
We'll have the engine running tomorrow.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 16 2016, 02:28 PM
I will have to find a way to ship beer internationally. Send me your address!
Just bring it when you come to get the car.
Greg lives only a short distance away from here.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 20 2016, 09:48 AM
Friday when we tried to start the engine the left side carb was dumping fuel all over the place.
We thought it was a stuck float, but didn't have time to investigate.
This morning we discovered a damaged/warped/bent accelerator pump diaphragm cover. It wasn't noticed during rebuilding, but on closer inspection we believe this was the fuel source for the fire.
There's no way it was warped by heat from the fire.
These old Empi 44 carbs are in rough shape, not to mention the 36mm venturis are too large for this engine.
I can't get one of the idle mixture screws to close down all the way for some reason.
The engine starts and runs at least.
The carbs are reasonably well balanced now for test driving, but I haven't sync'ed the crossbar linkage yet, and the plug wires we installed temporarily have some damaged insulation - I don't want to use them except for the initial tests.
Before we installed the engine we drained the oil - it had a couple quarts of water in it. 
The shift console cover was removed only to dump several ounces of red fluid (gear oil?) all over the floor.
The shift rod has an unusual custom alteration.
The custom Clutch Trunnion I posted about in another thread.
You should see the customized pedal cluster with a special master cylinder return spring. 
Posted by: 2mAn Jun 20 2016, 10:14 AM
This is where the term DAPO came from right?
Posted by: ThePaintedMan Jun 20 2016, 11:06 AM
I have an accelerator pump cover Chris, if you need it.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 20 2016, 11:18 AM
I have an accelerator pump cover Chris, if you need it.
This one was flattened and reinstalled. thanks though.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 23 2016, 12:49 PM
Big hurdle overcome today.
The engine runs and idles. We had to drop in another distributor before it would run, but it may be just a bad condenser (heat damaged).
There's still some work to do on the carbs because they are so poorly configured for this engine, and in overall crappy condition. The one which didn't catch fire had crystallized fuel additives all over inside.
Honestly Vincent, I don't understand how you could have driven this car past the end of your driveway.
Posted by: vnault Jun 23 2016, 08:43 PM
Here's how it sounded
https://www.dropbox.com/s/52av7p7sibr59qw/Vid%C3%A9o%20moteur.MOV?dl=0
Never stalled and I went to 85 miles per hour with it the week before.
I am glad to know that there is no better hands then yours to find a solution, thanks for your work Chris.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 24 2016, 06:55 AM
It was loud in the video, and got even louder when the engine backfired.
We installed a better used muffler and it sounds much nicer.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 24 2016, 07:08 AM
Vincent,
I'm starting to put together a scenario which would have created the Fire hazard this spring.
If your video was taken last year - That shows the engine ran OK at least.
The only way I can imagine the accelerator pump cover would have become warped so badly is if water was in the carburetor over winter. Freezing would cause enough force to bend the cover.
We found water in the other carburetor and quite a bit in the crankcase. At the time was attributed to the fire department, but maybe it's further evidence that the engine bay wasn't sealed against rain during storage.
I think the engine is running well enough to test drive the car now and see what jet adjustments are needed.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 24 2016, 07:16 AM
I won't drive it far until we put some better tires on the car.
Posted by: vnault Jun 24 2016, 08:40 AM
Thanks for the news and the pictures and your detailed explanation.
Posted by: 2mAn Jun 24 2016, 09:34 AM
Vincent is going to have a completely different animal when he gets it back! Nice work Chris!
Posted by: JRust Jun 24 2016, 09:51 AM
Good progress Chris! Sounds like many issues needed addressed besides the fire. Glad he brought it to you to get sorted out. Hope the parts I sent made it & were what were needed. That new set of spark plug wires I thought were for a 2.0. Hoping so or they might be short on reach.
Yikes on the tires
Posted by: Racer Chris Jun 24 2016, 10:17 AM
Good progress Chris! Sounds like many issues needed addressed besides the fire. Glad he brought it to you to get sorted out. Hope the parts I sent made it & were what were needed. That new set of spark plug wires I thought were for a 2.0. Hoping so or they might be short on reach.
Yikes on the tires
Jamie,
The wires you sent are on the engine.
We only had a set which was barely good enough for test running. They're so old the insulation was breaking off.
The fan will be mounted soon too.
It looks like another alternator needs to be installed. We replaced the bad wires but the charge light stays on.
I think I have a set of good used tires to install next week.
Posted by: vnault Jul 9 2016, 01:50 PM
Thanks to Jody for the transportation and the late night help to make it work.Thanks to those who sent parts and thanks to Chris for the repair.
I will clean it for all the dust from the fire then I will post pictures.
Posted by: SirAndy Jul 9 2016, 02:43 PM
Posted by: Racer Chris Jul 9 2016, 08:52 PM
I scored a really good set of tires from another customer who wanted new tires a little narrower for his VW offset wheels.
The tire shop that installed the tires didn't replace the valve stems (to save $$), so the next day we had 3 flat tires.
3 Valve stems were replaced before Jody came for the car.
Posted by: JRust Jul 10 2016, 11:22 AM
Thanks to Jody for the transportation and the late night help to make it work.Thanks to those who sent parts and thanks to Chris for the repair.
I will clean it for all the dust from the fire then I will post pictures.
Yes we need pics & video of your car! Glad to have helped a little. Our community is the best. Huge thanks to Chris for getting it all back together. I don't know what deal you gave him & don't need too. I do know you did a lot of work & I am sure didn't charge near enough. We appreciate your efforts as a community Chris. Thanks for getting Jody back on the road.
Hey how'd you like your WCR swag
Posted by: sixnotfour Jul 12 2016, 02:30 PM
Posted by: vnault Jul 12 2016, 08:49 PM
Following the link below you will be able to find picture and video before and after the fire.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sr8uj6zo89ip924/AABVegQ8s8VswHh4YqD214SHa?dl=0
Listening to the video... do you think that it idle to fast ... about 1200 rpm ? I don't know if it is volontary or the carbs adjustment got loose during transportation like cable for the distributor got disconnected.
Btw my new tire are really nice compared to what I had, thanks a lot Chris.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jul 13 2016, 06:41 AM
I don't think the idle sounds too fast.
That rear lid is unrepairable. You need a fresh one.
Do an oil change soon. There had been water in the engine. And you need to find out what the previous owner did to modify the sump plate. We did not remove it.
Another area you need to do work is in the driver footwell. Remove the carpet to see where the floor is rotted away near the new gas pedal, and to see the custom modified pedal cluster. The pedal cluster should be replaced with a reconditioned one like Bruce Stone sells. I think the one in your car is too far gone to bring back to stock, and the modifications are creating a problem with the brake pedal alignment.
Posted by: Racer Chris Jul 13 2016, 06:51 AM
Taken before we cleaned up the floor around the gas pedal mount.
Surprisingly, the bolts came out without major trouble and we were able to bolt the new pedal down without making any repairs.
There is no hole through to the outside, however the floor does need to be patched.
Posted by: vnault Jul 13 2016, 07:45 AM
@Racer Chris
Things for me to do.
- Oil change
- Floor work around the pedal
- Change the rear deck
In the years to come
- patch the Hell Holes
Does it worth it to go with electronic ignition ? How often should I spray carburator cleaner ?
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