Extremely Hot 3.2 911

Mark deBrito · 07-05-2006, 08:05 PM

I Need some decision help! I have an opportunity to buy an 1984 Targa 104K miles with a nice rust and dent free body. Owner says he'll take $4K for it. It had a small engine fire which was put out quickly with dry chemicals but not before melting the air box, intake plastic as well as the FI wiring harness and the harness which comes through the fire wall by the fuel line and goes out to the starter. The owner/seller doesn't know the source of the fire, but left it idling for "a while"... and returned to the smoke.
Without knowing the source of the fire, although it doesn't appear to be fuel related, I'm cautious about entering into potential money pit. Of course, it doesn't run now but can be turned over by hand. I'm concerned there may be other significant engine damage beyond the melted stuff? What's the best way to assess this?

Wickd89 · 07-05-2006, 08:17 PM

Can't go wrong with the price; even for parts. Bigger issue would be the damage to the paint.

Good luck!

ischmitz · ischmitz's Garage

First, let's be clear: Any aircooled 911 is a money pit - some are just worse than others. That being said you probably get a descent deal for 4k. Hell, I would take it if you pass. It seems like a "small fire" damage to the harness and plastic parts of the engine can be repaired fairly easy. I don't think the fire caused any internal damage.

However, a 911 engine with 104k miles might be due for a rebuild anyway. Headstuds, valve guides, etc. That can easily run into the $10k+ depending on who does the work.

Good luck,
Ingo

mik · 07-05-2006, 11:08 PM

yikes. four g's and a little bit of hands-on time. that would qualify me to resume posting on this forum. uh, wait...oops.

Icemaster · Icemaster's Garage

Unless it runs, kinda tough to do much vis-a-vis compression & leakdown (am I correct here...?).

Place I'd start would be the cars service history, does the current owner have this?

Either way, it's still a good deal IMHO. Question really becomes how motivated are you to put it back on the road?

Jim Smolka · 05:20 AM

For 4K, not a bad deal. However, the cost of putting it back on the road depends if you labor. If someone else does it, then cost goes way up...

Typically you will need a new DME wiring harness, hoses, engine wiring hoses, new ac hoses, most engine sensors, FI air box, some fuel injectors. These parts can cost $$ and the project can get expensive.

If you are not interested in the car, I would interested in it.

Jim

mschuep · 07-06-2006, 04:58 AM

Where is the car, in NJ? Can you go take a look at it?

DonMo · DonMo's Garage

Parts alone are worth more than $4k.

If you are not a DIY'er pass on it. If you are and are in a hurry or are cash restricted, pass on it. If you have time and like to get dirty. This is a winner. Very rewarding when you can reclaim a dead P car.

My bet the fire starter was the crimp on the fuel line where it goes out of the rear firewall, either that or fuel line that connects the two rails. Both have a history of fire starters.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

You can do a leakdown to determine the health of the engine. 104K is not THAT bad. I bought my track car with 140K and shows no sign of needing a rebuild. With that said I'm planning a rebuild next year, but it'll be an expensive rebuild with all the goods.

id911T · 07-06-2006, 07:03 AM

Was the engine running when the dry chem was sprayed over it? If it gets sucked into the airbox, it can be hard to get the engine going again because the residual chemicals tend to squelch out combustion. Make sure you clean it up well if you get it.

Mark deBrito · 07-06-2006, 07:07 AM

Thanks to all of you for your advice! REALLY appreciate it. I've decided to buy the car and begin the investigation and repair. I'm going to undertake the project with the aid of a Bentleys manual and the support of Pelican Parts and you guys through this great BBS. Looks like dropping the engine is the way to go..?

The owner had a good service history record which indicates the engine was good before the fire. He says it did have an oil leak, evident by the spot on the garage floor. I don't think the crimp on the fuel line, as DonMo suggested, is the source...fuel lines are undamaged. For lack of other evidence I'm suspecting the oil leak may have reached a flash point as the engine must have got pretty hot while idling. I'm just hoping this excessive heat didn't cause any internal damage..?

Thanks again guys!! I hope to get your support again through this process.

Mark

Vin-barrett · Vin-barrett's Garage

Mark

There are local guys to you that will help you drop the engine for beer and food

-Vinny

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

Then let me be the first to offer parts. I have my old airbox out of my 85 for sale:

3.2 AirBox

LakeCleElum · 07-06-2006, 08:16 AM

I had a similiar engine fire in my 73.5 that was really pretty minor.....Here's what was involved:

You need to drop the engine to get at all the wiring involved. The engine needs to be steam cleaned to get all the chemicals off the pouris engine cases.

Next, replace the intake rubbers, all hoses associated with the CIS (difficult to find the high pressure fuel lines)....It was then a set of plug wires and an air box......My insurance company paid for a local shop to do this.....They paid about $4,400 or so.......Knowing what I know now, I would do it myself if I didn't have insurance coverage........Good luck...