911S Engine Fire - what damage to check for?

[B_El]

I had a flash fire in my 1971 911S Targa engine bay earlier this week -

After starting up the car with the hand throttle, I heard a whoosh sound and saw bright orange flames in the rear view mirror. (The deck lid was open as I'd taken out the air cleaner to tidy up the engine). I turned off the ignition, got out of the car, ran to the rear to confirm what my eyes and nose were telling me and then fired off my $13 Costco fire extinguisher. The flames kept reigniting near the fuel filter even after the extinguisher went empty. Luckily I had a 2nd extinguisher in the garage and emptied about 1/2 of it before the flames were gone. It was maybe 20 to 30 seconds that the fire was lit. I strongly suspect the fuel filter seal failed or the filter had come loose and sprayed gas until the fuel pressure dropped enough to stop spraying.

I can see the license plate harness in the deck lid is fried and the plastic vent hose for the MFI is cooked a bit. The engine ran for ~3 secs with the velocity stacks open and everything is covered with extinguisher dust. I'm concerned about what damage could happern with the engine sucking sucking down fire even for a short time.

What damage do you think I should have the shop check for and what inspections/work should I ask the claims adjuster to do? Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Bob

[proporsche]

start with the fuel lines-hoses..the 2 at the fuel filter are seeping already..
Ivan

[timmy2]

Wiring in the immediate area includes fuel enrichment, license plate lamps and a ground. Check the through body harness below the filter as well. It is just taped in that area so has good access.
Looks like you put the fire out just in time.
Count yourself lucky you had the extinguishers handy.

[group911@aol.co]

First, clean the dry chem off everything. It's really corrosive and is doing more damage than the fire did.

[B_El]

Thanks for the inputs. Really appreciate them. The shop where the car will be towed to also mentioned the corrosiveness of the fire retardant, especially to aluminum. Bob

[gled49]

No damage from sucking down fire, that’s how we stop carb fires in our old Chevy’s, just get them running. But ingesting the chemicals is not good.

[Locker537]

Good job putting it out. That was the most important.

You're going to have quite the clean up job on your hands. I had one of those dry chemical fire extinguishers accidentally discharge in the cabin of a car years ago and I conservatively estimate it took me ~30 hours of cleaning and detailing to clean up the mess.

I would start with shop vac + blown air OUTSIDE to try and remove as much as possible. Cover anything that is open like the intakes.

Take your time. I purchased a couple halon/element extinguishers after that fiasco to avoid the mess in the unfortunate scenario that I had to use one again.

[B_El]

Thanks guys. The back half of the car is still covered with the extinguisher powder. Do you think there will be any iffect on the exterior paint?

It happened on Tuesday morning and the insurance adjuster/appraiser won't see the car until this coming Tuesday or Wednesday (lots of vehicle losses currently in NorCal). I'm hesitant to try and clean the powder because I want him to see the car and factor the cleaining into the claim. Is that a good strategy? Thanks again.

[juanbenae]

Originally Posted by Locker537

Good job putting it out. That was the most important.

that ^^^^^^

[darrin]

Originally Posted by B_El

Thanks guys. The back half of the car is still covered with the extinguisher powder. Do you think there will be any iffect on the exterior paint?

It happened on Tuesday morning and the insurance adjuster/appraiser won't see the car until this coming Tuesday or Wednesday (lots of vehicle losses currently in NorCal). I'm hesitant to try and clean the powder because I want him to see the car and factor the cleaining into the claim. Is that a good strategy? Thanks again.

Personally think this is the best strategy -- don't disturb the "scene of the crime" until it's been investigated/valued/quantified.

[pjh69911]

Was the fuel hose that goes to the back of the air cleaner plugged off when you started your car with air cleaner removed? If not it can spurt gas in the rear of the engine bay and catch fire if there is a backfire. Ask how I know. I was fortunate to put it out in time.

[manbridge 74]

Make sure when it goes back together it gets the correct clamps and correct diameter fuel hoses as well.

[SchnellSchweitz]

Just a suggestion, but could be a life saver. Remove all rubber hosing (from tank to motor) and replace with 6AN stainless steel/teflon hose. If you have questions how to make this work feel free to reach out to me.

[B_El]

Thanks everyone! Appraiser comes on Tuesday.

[slow&rusty]

Total panic moment. congrats on putting out the fire and best of luck with insurance.