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Posted by: ejmetz Jul 6 2020, 08:03 PM

So, after being sold a car with a blown engine, and 2 years of rebuilding an amazing 2.4, with all of the upgrades, ideas and tips from this amazing group and help from the best aircooled Porsche techs in the business, this happened today.



Attached image(s)

Posted by: wndsrfr Jul 6 2020, 08:07 PM

OUCH....what a heartbreak! Condolences...

Posted by: 76-914 Jul 6 2020, 08:14 PM

Aww Shit Man. That is heartbreaking. My condolences. Have several drinks tonight. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully it is covered.

Posted by: infraredcalvin Jul 6 2020, 08:19 PM

I’m so sorry, that really sucks? Assuming nobody hurt? Think big picture, could have been worse! Insured?

Posted by: wes Jul 6 2020, 08:20 PM

I’m so sorry, no one hurt right. That’s awful! Insurance?

Posted by: ben*james Jul 6 2020, 08:27 PM

Oh crap man that sucks. Very sorry. You will have stories to tell.

Posted by: ejmetz Jul 6 2020, 08:30 PM

Insured with Hagerty (with cherished salvage endorsement) and no one hurt, thank God. I think I’m just more devastated after so much work, and I had just started enjoying the car.

Posted by: eric9144 Jul 6 2020, 08:38 PM

Heartbreaking
So sorry to see... These stories pop up every couple years, scares me enough that I now carry not one but two extinguishers in the car

Posted by: Jamie Jul 6 2020, 08:39 PM

QUOTE(ejmetz @ Jul 6 2020, 06:30 PM)

Posted by: Freezin 914 Jul 6 2020, 08:46 PM

Sorry to see and hear of this, glad everyone is ok. You’re in the right place, good people here to help you with whatever you made need to maybe build it again, or maybe start on a different one.

Posted by: SirAndy Jul 6 2020, 09:02 PM

Nooooooo

Posted by: cuddy_k Jul 6 2020, 09:11 PM

Wow. So sorry to see this. Please let us know what we can do to help!

Posted by: Coondog Jul 6 2020, 09:37 PM

I am heartbroken for you my friend. I hope everything insurance wise works out and you can get into another 914 ASAP. The saving grace is you are ok.

Now for some tough love to all 914 owners out there, take a hard look at that picture.
You are not putting that fire out with a Element extinguisher or those little small ones you keep next to the passenger seat.

Go to Amazon and buy a Purple k fire extinguisher. The bigger the better.
Practice what you would do in case of a fire.
If you have a rain tray you better unlatch the engine hood ASAP like before your even stopped. Heat with distort latching mechanisms and you may not get it open.
With no rain trays you can spray right through the grate.

Yeah yeah yeah....it cost to much......it takes up to much room.
Sorry look at that burnt 914 again and tell me why you wouldn’t put one in your car.

Posted by: 914-300Hemi Jul 6 2020, 09:44 PM

Sorry about your loss. I can only imagine all the hard work you put it into the car.

Good luck with the insurance.

Posted by: ndfrigi Jul 6 2020, 09:47 PM

@http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=22438 so sorry for you fellow teeners! Thank God just the car and good you have a good insurance company.
Do you have any idea what went wrong that you can share for all of us to be looking so it will not happen again to our fellow members?

Take care and hoping you can find a less project car that you can enjoy it as soon as possible.

Posted by: abes914 Jul 6 2020, 10:15 PM

So sorry for your lost. I am glad to hear no one is hurt. I have some small stash of parts and willing to give to you if you decide to do another 914.

Stay safe everyone

Posted by: thelogo Jul 6 2020, 10:27 PM

Gotta give you credit .... I would have
Just rolled it into the woods and pretend it was all a dream .

Posted by: HansJan Jul 6 2020, 10:34 PM

This is a total nightmare.

Posted by: Krieger Jul 6 2020, 11:15 PM

Shit! I'm so glad your not hurt. Hang in there.

Posted by: RickS Jul 6 2020, 11:23 PM

Very sorry. Really sucks

Posted by: pilothyer Jul 6 2020, 11:27 PM

DAAAAAYUM, that hurts to just see it. I am so sorry you had to experience that. I can only imagine your pain. Glad to know you are OK and that you were insured properly.

Posted by: Larmo63 Jul 6 2020, 11:44 PM

You didn't have any way to try to stop the fire?

ALL air cooled engine(d) cars should carry a fire extinguisher.

Dang.

Posted by: oakdalecurtis Jul 6 2020, 11:46 PM

Very sorry for your loss, hate to see another one gone. Glad you’re ok, that’s what really matters.
Here's my fire solution(s). I have a BlazeCut system installed under the lid. I do not use a rain tray since I NEVER drive in the wet. I painted the BlazeCut tube black so that it does not show through the engine cover. If you’re not familiar with BlazeCut’s effectiveness, go to their website and watch the video of the burning VW bus engine test..
And just in case I have a cabin fire, I have a Kidde extinguisher inside my custom built center console box.....

Posted by: falcor75 Jul 6 2020, 11:57 PM

Sad to see this. Please remember to check your rubber fuel lines yearly or every 6 months for those that daily your 914's The ethanol content in gasoline today can deteriorate a new noname fuel hose in less than 24 months.

Posted by: cali914 Jul 7 2020, 12:15 AM

glad your okay and sorry about the amount of time and effort you put into that 914

Posted by: Mikey914 Jul 7 2020, 01:32 AM

Glad you are OK. I'm sorry for your loss.
Hopefully, your insurance (I have the same company also) treats you well. Let us all know how this turns out. It may be painful now, but hopefully some good comes out of it. I just hope you had enough on the declared value.

Posted by: sb914 Jul 7 2020, 05:26 AM

Soooooo sorry to see this ! Hang in there ...

Posted by: ClayPerrine Jul 7 2020, 06:05 AM

BTDT. Sorry to hear this happened to you.

Just remember.. you can fix it. Don't give up on it.


Clay

Posted by: daytona Jul 7 2020, 06:11 AM

I am so sorry to had to go through this bad experience. I hope it does not turn you away from the hobby. Take some time to get over the loss of your car, and then start again. Use the money from the insurance settlement to build the next one.
Stay safe,
Bill.

Posted by: billh1963 Jul 7 2020, 06:32 AM

QUOTE(oakdalecurtis @ Jul 7 2020, 01:46 AM)

Posted by: gereed75 Jul 7 2020, 06:47 AM

That really sucks. Just crappy. I know the feeling of destroyed lost work and material things - all replaceable.

No one hurt!!!!

Posted by: BillC Jul 7 2020, 06:50 AM

Wow, that sucks. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

Posted by: Big Len Jul 7 2020, 07:03 AM

You were driving down a highway and....
When and how did you notice this?
How much time went by?
How long until the FD arrived?
Can you guess as to what the cause was?
Thank God no one was hurt.

Posted by: Johny Blackstain Jul 7 2020, 07:07 AM

Soul crushing

Posted by: Cairo94507 Jul 7 2020, 07:08 AM

Seeing that is not the way I wanted to start my day. I am so glad no one was injured and you are fully insured for all the good that does. Hopefully you get enough to replace your car or rebuild it and just have to write the check this time. Lots of nice cars available on a regular basis.

Note to self- Buy a good 5 pound extinguisher like Greg suggested for my car!

Posted by: campbellcj Jul 7 2020, 07:28 AM

Oh no, so sorry to see/hear about this - basically every 914 owner's nightmare. Hopefully the car can be rebuilt and will be back in action soon.

Posted by: JOEPROPER Jul 7 2020, 08:10 AM

Man that sucks!!! Take the Hagerty $ and BUY a car so you can have one for the Summer. Remember, nothing gets you over that last one like the next one. Good luck and Man that sucks. This will be a big wake up to so many out there, including me!

BTW there is a nice Black car in the classifieds right now. I Love Black 914s.

Posted by: Root_Werks Jul 7 2020, 08:38 AM

Posted by: PanelBilly Jul 7 2020, 08:43 AM

Posted by: Andyrew Jul 7 2020, 08:46 AM

This is heartbreaking! Very sorry for your loss!

Posted by: tvdinnerbythepool Jul 7 2020, 08:54 AM

So sorry, what a loss! glad you are ok

Posted by: ejmetz Jul 7 2020, 08:56 AM

Thanks guys for all the condolences and great words of support! This is a great group of folks here, and I love being a part of something like this. I do want to either rebuild or buy once the insurance is settled - if for no other reason than to stay part of this group! Plus, I really was enjoying this car!

I don't really want to speculate on the cause yet - I'll let the insurance guys do their work first. One thing for sure is that a fire suppression system IS going in before anything else! I'll also be adding one to my '66 912.

I did have a chemical extinguisher in the car (standard household type), but the fire was too hot already and it didn't do much. I pulled over as soon as I smelled/saw the fire, and we called 911. It took what felt like forever for the firetruck to get there, although I am sure it was pretty fast. They dumped a ton of water on it, and it seemed like it took forever to put it out. Once the magnesium of the transmission started melting, it was like fireworks under the car and it just kept burning.

Either way, once insurance is settled, I will want to get this to a shop to start the deconstruction and clean-up. If not for a rebuild, I at least want to see what is salvageable from the engine. Had some beautiful heads from HamHeads on there!

Any suggestions for a shop in the Atlanta area who would be able and willing to do this?

Posted by: preach Jul 7 2020, 09:35 AM

Glad you are ok, sorry about the car.

Posted by: StarBear Jul 7 2020, 09:41 AM

Ouch, ouch and triple ouch! Glad to see you're ok and hopefully the rest of us will learn more from this.
Ordering a 5lb Purple K as soon as I can!

Posted by: 914werke Jul 7 2020, 10:56 AM

makes me sick to see.

Posted by: 1adam12 Jul 7 2020, 11:36 AM

Ugh, this hurts to see. Stay in good spirits though. There's awesome support here for ya!

Posted by: ValcoOscar Jul 7 2020, 12:39 PM

Photos speak for themselves. OUCH!!!!
You're in good hands with Hagerty.
So sorry, but hope to see you in another 914 very soon.

Remain safe...

Oscar

Posted by: burton73 Jul 7 2020, 01:25 PM

This is why we get good insurance and it makes a huge difference. Sorry for your loss of all that time and work but you are safe. Not hurt and you can get another car.

Your insurance company is your friend


Bob B

Posted by: 914_teener Jul 7 2020, 01:34 PM

Water will not extinguish a Mag fire as most of you know. In fact it becomes explosive.

On a type 4 the fan shroud and the trans case are Mag. Keep this in mind when you place your extingishers.

I hate seeing this and glad you plan on another car and were not hurt.

Posted by: 914andy Jul 7 2020, 01:46 PM

sorry this happened
hope it works out
Andy

Posted by: mlindner Jul 7 2020, 02:12 PM

ejmetz, when the dust settles and your back on track please share with us what fire protection system your going with and why. Best, Mark

Posted by: flmont Jul 7 2020, 02:18 PM

That is truly F.UP..!! Sorry about that for sure..at least its insured that was a smart move for sure.

Posted by: windforfun Jul 7 2020, 04:28 PM

I'm super sorry about your car! Upwards & onwards with a new one.

Posted by: IronHillRestorations Jul 7 2020, 05:03 PM

Heartbreaking! and nauseating too

It's just stuff. That's what I have to keep telling myself (we've had all kinds of challenges). Nobody got hurt, nobody is in jail.

Even from a die hard car guy, I can tell you: it is a car and you can find another, that you may like even more.

So sorry though. Sincerest condolences for your trauma and loss

Posted by: MartyYeoman Jul 7 2020, 05:41 PM

OUCH!! Painful pictures for sure.

Posted by: pete000 Jul 7 2020, 05:50 PM

Wow, such a sad thing to have happen.

I am wondering as we all are, what was the state of the fuel system? Lines, seals,carbs etc...

I was lucky to catch a leaking fuel line in my six after a drive to work, so glad it did not end up bad !

Posted by: Speedmster Jul 7 2020, 06:03 PM

QUOTE(ejmetz @ Jul 6 2020, 09:30 PM)

Posted by: HAM Inc Jul 7 2020, 06:05 PM

Man, that really sucks! Maybe it won't be as bad as it looks once you get it cleaned up.
Fingers crossed!

Posted by: porsche914rick Jul 7 2020, 06:29 PM

Posted by: mb911 Jul 7 2020, 06:47 PM

Blaze cut for me for sure.

Posted by: bkrantz Jul 7 2020, 08:49 PM

Really, really sorry. I can't imagine watching a project car burn in front of my eyes. Hope your ultimate outcome is a happy one.

Posted by: euro911 Jul 8 2020, 02:36 AM

Oh man, that's a tough one. Glad to hear no one was injured, and hope you can recover from this catastrophe.

Posted by: racer914 Jul 8 2020, 08:39 AM

Sure hate to see this...sorry for the loss. Shop for another one soon.

Posted by: rgalla9146 Jul 8 2020, 08:51 AM

TODAY !
Big fuel leak upon start up of my carburated car.
Football size puddle under my running car.
Review entire delivery / return system.

Posted by: dr914@autoatlanta.com Jul 8 2020, 08:54 AM

it is very important to get the car stripped and the metal dusted and treated as soon as possible before it starts to deteriorate. Remove everything, strip down the engine and put some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and intakes, media blast the areas without paint, clean off all of the painted surfaces, etch the bare metal and prime with zinc chromate. At least that will preserve the car before it becomes hopeless. As it is, it is really not too bad. We have repaired worse for customers in the past.

Posted by: stownsen914 Jul 8 2020, 09:43 AM

Many that really sucks. I'm sorry it happened, especially so soon after you got 'er done.

As mentioned above (and not to minimize), it may not be as bad as it looks. I've seen burned cars where the car literally melts or sags badly. It doesn't look like yours is doing those things so it may be more cosmetic and more easily fixable. I'll hope so anyway.

Posted by: Tdskip Jul 8 2020, 10:53 AM

Oh crud.

I am very sorry to see what happened.

Posted by: nditiz1 Jul 8 2020, 11:03 AM

Terrible...

Sorry man GL with Hagerty hope they do you right.

Posted by: anderssj Jul 8 2020, 11:10 AM

Really sorry to see this happened. Not sure what else to say. Sorry.

Posted by: JFG Jul 8 2020, 12:29 PM

sorry for your loss.

Posted by: MM1 Jul 8 2020, 06:58 PM

No doubt - we're all thankful you're still here to tell the sad tale - as tough as it may be after so much devoted and so little enjoyed. Hopefully you'll be up and running soon.

Posted by: FlacaProductions Jul 8 2020, 08:08 PM

Not much to add to what has already been said other than my sympathy and support. Glad everyone is ok....

Posted by: narino Jul 8 2020, 08:31 PM

Sorry to see this. Glad you're OK!!

Posted by: dangrouche Jul 9 2020, 10:45 AM

Keep it all in perspective. you're unscathed, alive and well and around your family and friends. that's the most important thing.

Posted by: Jett Jul 9 2020, 11:51 AM

sorry! Thank you for posting this to keep us safe... it prompted me to buy fire extinguishers and First aide kits!

Posted by: StarBear Jul 9 2020, 12:07 PM

QUOTE(Jett @ Jul 9 2020, 01:51 PM)

Posted by: Rotary'14 Jul 9 2020, 05:41 PM

Posted by: sixnotfour Jul 9 2020, 07:53 PM

Terrible...looks like maybe the alternater is the source..

Posted by: Wyvern Jul 10 2020, 06:39 PM

QUOTE(oakdalecurtis @ Jul 6 2020, 10:46 PM)

Very sorry for your loss, hate to see another one gone. Glad you’re ok, that’s what really matters.
Here's my fire solution(s). I have a BlazeCut system installed under the lid. I do not use a rain tray since I NEVER drive in the wet. I painted the BlazeCut tube black so that it does not show through the engine cover. If you’re not familiar with BlazeCut’s effectiveness, go to their website and watch the video of the burning VW bus engine test..
And just in case I have a cabin fire, I have a Kidde extinguisher inside my custom built center console box.....

Posted by: Coondog Jul 10 2020, 07:53 PM

Very sad to see and as many have said ... this concern does lurk in the back of my head.
Painting the Blaze Cut black really does hide it ... Do you think that would alter the performance of the unit at all?
[/quote]






Only if you used some type of heat resistance paint.