Fun while it lasted

[mindovaanything]

So after spending the past year and I half working, spending, waiting, and building my KA-T it was finally running ridiculously well on Saturday night. After swapping out the MAF the A/F ratios where ideal, she was boosting 7 lbs and running great. Then.....

[badbob2121]

that sucks

Do you know what exactly happened?

[Mercury_Hg]

I just decided to invest in a fire extinguisher. Holy s***, man.

[mixeds14]

+1 on the fire ext. That sucks man

[Drakelee]

I always thought the fire extinguishers in peoples cars were kinda stupid. But now I'm buying one.

[breadbox]

I know 240sx run hot sometimes but damn.

[The_caveman]

Brake fluid and hot turbo = fire.. Not saying that's what happened but this is like the third 240sx fire I've read about in 3 months, first was due to improper fuel line installation, the second an sr car with a top mount that was running lean, which caused alot of heat near the brake booster and caught that one on fire.

Over all that sucks dude let us know when you figure out what caused it

[Lobo240sx]

That is why I told everyone my next thing will be a fire extinguisher. You have your life which is the most important. f*** any car over your life period. The brakes near turbo is always the issue with these cars which is why I took it real easy my first time driving the car with my new top mount setup.

Let us know how it caught fire.

[mindovaanything]

I'm not so sure about the brake fluid theory, because I had a turbo blanket, the adhesive heat reflective silver tape stuff covering the booster, and heat wrapped downpipe because I was concerned about the heat causing brake fade. But it's possible since the MC and resoivior weren't covered and the turbo was practically touching the MC.

But I'm not really trying to investigate the whole thing I'm just trying to stay positive, count my losses be thankful I didn't get hurt, move forward and hope I don't get completly screwed over by my insurance company. I had plans to sell her in a couple months anyway and I'm getting a built EVO X that should cheer me up a bit.

s*** part is I bought a fire extuinguisher to keep in the car long before she was even running and it was sitting at home. I suggest you all get one, a good one!

[Hoffman5982]

No offense, but the fact that you took pictures before it was engulfed in flames tells me that you didn't really try to stop it. Should have stopped worrying about what the kids on facebook would think and actually tried to put the fire out before it took over

[mindovaanything]

Really wish forums were more like facebook then I could block comments like the one above or delete them from my thread...

No offense? You think that I don't care about my car and wouldn't do everything in my power to stop it from being destroyed? Also concern for my own safety and wanting to stay back in case there's an explosion, shattered glass all kinds of stuff. You really have no idea how fast this goes down, you also know nothing about me or the location I was in and access to anything that could even remotely attempt to put out the fire. Thanks d!ck for pouring salt on a fresh wound instead of offering condolences etc. Had your comment even been funny (I'm waiting for the "because racecar" or motivational poster chops and may actually do a few myself) that would've been ok but your calling out my character and saying I don't care or didn't try to do anything?

I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy and you're saying I just stood by and let it happen to my own car

[Hoffman5982]

I think you are overreading what I said. Where did I say "I'm happy this happened to you"?

Calm the f*** down. Area you were in? You were clearly in a parking lot. Big whoops. In the time you were taking your little pictures, you could have tried to stamp out the fire with a shirt or jacket. I've seen it happen when someone's ghetto wiring caught on fire at a drift event. His car just fine now. Why? Because he didn't worry about getting pictures and actually did something about.

Condolences? I'll give my condolences to the s chassis community altogether for losing yet another s13. I have a hard time giving condolences to someone who sat around and did nothing to stop it.

[Lobo240sx]

Car fires happen quick and the best thing he could do was not have smoke inhalation or be caught up in an explosion where he could have been hurt. That comment was really uncalled for. It could happen to anybody on any given day. I had to pull somebody out of a car that started smoking one night coming home from work.

When you get into a situation like that, you only have a few seconds to react. None of us was there to help or witness what happened. OP stay strong and be safe out there.

[mindovaanything]

How could I be over reading when your follow up comment only reinforces the same point you made in the first place?

You have the right to your opinion, and are apparently going to continue to voice it. In this case you're making assumptions about a situation without nearly enough information to have a valid point.

I can't stand when ***holes use the ***hole disclaimer no offense before they engage in ***hole activity to try and make themselves look and feel like less of an ***hole. Thats actually what got me upset and the fact that I'm already generally upset over the loss of my car.

To clarify for those who may be interested in more information about the circumstances, I was in a remote parking lot doing what 240 owners with welded diff and turbos do at 3AM and saw my water temp getting high so I parked to let it cool off and was sitting in the car chatting with my buddy with the fans on. I then saw smoke coming from under the hood, not thinking much of it I popped the hood and when I opened it I saw fire on the whole drivers side of the motor, so then after attempts to put it out and surveying the area to find nothing that would help I shut the hood back on it hoping to smother it. My friend called 911 and then I began taking pictures from a safe distance once I came to the realization there isn't anything more I could do.

[Hoffman5982]

Once again, you are acting like I am saying I am happy this happened. I am not. Try to understand that. What did you do to try and put it out. You are being very vague with what happened. If you are wondering about my opinion, this whole thing just seems fishy. I can't seem to shake the idea of "insurance fraud" out of my head because honestly, that's what it looks like to me

[mindovaanything]

Car fires happen quick and the best thing he could do was not have smoke inhalation or be caught up in an explosion where he could have been hurt. That comment was really uncalled for. It could happen to anybody on any given day. I had to pull somebody out of a car that started smoking one night coming home from work.

When you get into a situation like that, you only have a few seconds to react. None of us was there to help or witness what happened. OP stay strong and be safe out there.

Thanks man! Very well said and I appreciate the support. Yea its amazing how fast it went from smoke under the hood to massive flames. I'm glad I wasn't on the highway, in traffic, by myself(my phone was left in the car and my buddy got out with his) or numerous other scenarios where this could've been much worse. I'm glad that I don't have a scratch on me.

Theres lots of pops and bangs as the glass breaks and tires pop etc. The whole thing is pretty scary, the heat from the fire is really intense even from 30 yards away. Its amazing how nonchalant the firefighters were, took them a little over 10 minutes to arrive and about 10 or so to get it completely put out. All that and there's the whole emotional torment of standing there helpless just watching all of your hard work literally go up in flames.

[IBCoupe]

If you're going to commit insurance fraud, I'd suggest you don't do it with a modified car. I imagine it's much easier for the company to disclaim coverage.

[mindovaanything]

Once again, you are acting like I am saying I am happy this happened. I am not. Try to understand that. What did you do to try and put it out. You are being very vague with what happened. If you are wondering about my opinion, this whole thing just seems fishy. I can't seem to shake the idea of "insurance fraud" out of my head because honestly, that's what it looks like to me

If you were interested in details, or concerned in any way, if you thought there was something fishy or wanted to know what I did to try and put it out you could've said/asked any of those things from the start instead of all the things you did say. "Insurance fraud" first of all I am not in the least way broke and looking for money at all. Secondly if I were going to try and collect a payday wouldn't I do it with a platform to get more than I spent? I mean seriously insurance fraud with a 240? You must really think I'm an idiot and I'm further insulted by yet another attack on my character from someone who knows nothing about me or the situation he is talking s*** about. Your opinion is not valid!

I didn't write out all the details because I've learned that people do not read wordy posts on forums.

[Hoffman5982]

Well I do. Could've asked? I raised those concerns from the beginning yet here you are dancing around the bush. Dumb enough to use a 240 for insurance fraud? Idk, are you dumb enough to take a break and snap pictures while your car is on fire? I don't care if you aren't broke. The guy that drove his Veyron into a lake for insurance fraud had plenty of money I'm sure, yet he's still wanting more.

I know nothing about the situation because you have provided us next to nothing in background info. So please, make my opinion valid. You are not only providing me with more info, but also all the nice people on this forum, so don't say "I'm not wasting my time typing it all out because I don't care about your opinion".

[IBCoupe]

I don't get it. Why so hostile?

[Lobo240sx]

Thanks man! Very well said and I appreciate the support. Yea its amazing how fast it went from smoke under the hood to massive flames. I'm glad I wasn't on the highway, in traffic, by myself(my phone was left in the car and my buddy got out with his) or numerous other scenarios where this could've been much worse. I'm glad that I don't have a scratch on me.

Theres lots of pops and bangs as the glass breaks and tires pop etc. The whole thing is pretty scary, the heat from the fire is really intense even from 30 yards away. Its amazing how nonchalant the firefighters were, took them a little over 10 minutes to arrive and about 10 or so to get it completely put out. All that and there's the whole emotional torment of standing there helpless just watching all of your hard work literally go up in flames.

No problem dude I know the feeling. I had the same thing happen to this 240 when my radiator exploded and the firewall caught fire. I was able to put it out with a towel. It's a shame how many insecure people are on the internet.

[coldcuts]

I just came in from putting my car fire out. I tried replacing the o-rings on my fuel injectors. Did not properly depressurize the fuel system, and (apparently) flooded the cylinders with fuel. The engine hydrolocked. Not sure what was going on, I pulled the spark plugs and turned over the engine. The fuel sprayed everywhere (but didn't catch on fire) I left the spark plugs out for a day, disconnected the fuel pump and after I was sure it was all evaporated, replaced the plugs. With no fuel, the engine turns over fine. I put the fuel pump fuse back and tried again, and the engine locked up again. I removed the spark plugs and turned it over, and MORE fuel sprayed out of the cylinders, this time found a spark and burst into flames.

Fun stuff. I closed the hood and it went out pretty quick. the insulation under the hood is burnt, but it looks like I escaped major damage.

So, any idea what I did wrong? Clearly I should have depressurized the first time. But why is fuel continuing to pour into the cylinders? Did I damage the file injectors when it hydrolocked? Did I just mess up the oring replacement? Am I an idiot that shouldn't be allowed around cars? (pretty much know the answer to that last question.) Any advice would be appreciated.

[Lobo240sx]

I just came in from putting my car fire out. I tried replacing the o-rings on my fuel injectors. Did not properly depressurize the fuel system, and (apparently) flooded the cylinders with fuel. The engine hydrolocked. Not sure what was going on, I pulled the spark plugs and turned over the engine. The fuel sprayed everywhere (but didn't catch on fire) I left the spark plugs out for a day, disconnected the fuel pump and after I was sure it was all evaporated, replaced the plugs. With no fuel, the engine turns over fine. I put the fuel pump fuse back and tried again, and the engine locked up again. I removed the spark plugs and turned it over, and MORE fuel sprayed out of the cylinders, this time found a spark and burst into flames.

Fun stuff. I closed the hood and it went out pretty quick. the insulation under the hood is burnt, but it looks like I escaped major damage.

So, any idea what I did wrong? Clearly I should have depressurized the first time. But why is fuel continuing to pour into the cylinders? Did I damage the file injectors when it hydrolocked? Did I just mess up the oring replacement? Am I an idiot that shouldn't be allowed around cars? (pretty much know the answer to that last question.) Any advice would be appreciated.

Your problem probably started with an injector(s) is stuck open and dumping fuel.

[240hatchsx]

Sorry to see ur hard work go into flames like that. I'm about to get started on my build myself and I'll make sure I carry extuingushier with me

[krash]

I can't stand when ***holes use the ***hole disclaimer no offense before they engage in ***hole activity to try and make themselves look and feel like less of an ***hole.

No offense, but your car looks like crap and is cheap and I'm glad it burned to a crisp and you are a bad person and immature.

jk man jk.

That REALLY sucks dude. I can't even imagine how it'd feel. We put our hearts and souls into these cars, it sucks when we have to see them destroyed, especially in your case where you can't do much about it. Was anything salvageable?

Also, Hoff you should chill a bit. He already said that he didn't stop it because he didn't feel safe doing so. You see that much smoke coming out of under your hood and your first instinct is to shove your hand under there? Maybe I would, maybe you would, maybe you wouldn't, maybe I wouldn't. You don't know what you'll do until you're in the situation. And in this case he chose his body parts over his car (which I would think is a good call, maybe you don't.) On many occasions I could have flamed you hard as well, did I? No. Why? Because whats the point? Its your car, not mine, its your life not mine, and saying anything negative is just going to screw up the good vibes. So why do it? Just chill out brohamski.

[asoomal]

Really sorry to hear about it, watching all that time and money you spent on your car burn to the ground, really sucks.

At least you're good!

Reminds me of when my S13 caught on fire, I was using a torch to heat up the bolts for the TC rod bracket, and lit up a bunch of dry dead leaves sitting between the A/C condenser and the bumper. They were hidden, didn't notice them.

Had a hose nearby though.

And Hoffman, really? Grow up.

[mindovaanything]

Sorry to see ur hard work go into flames like that. I'm about to get started on my build myself and I'll make sure I carry extuingushier with me

This should be the point of this thread, raise awareness to carrying fire extinguishers and not loosing something that you've poured your heart & money into.

[Hoffman5982]

Jesus christ, why is everyone acting like I'm happy this happened?? For the last da** time, I have not once said or insinuated that I am happy about his car catching on fire. Grow up? For asking questions? Krash, I get what you are saying. I really do. I know I came off as condescending, which was not my original intent. I was simply asking why he stopped a took pictures and he jumped to conclusions thinking that I was saying he deserves it. I'm not going to apologize because he misunderstood very clear English with absolutely no hidden meanings. If ever want to flame me, go ahead. I don't let sh** get to me like a child.

I'm not trying to bring negativity to this thread. I have simply asked questions to try and figure out, for myself, what exactly could have cause this poor car to go up in flames. But now I look like an a** for repeating my questions when the OP continuously dances around the bush. Cool.

[mindovaanything]

No offense, but your car looks like crap and is cheap and I'm glad it burned to a crisp and you are a bad person and immature.

jk man jk.

That REALLY sucks dude. I can't even imagine how it'd feel. We put our hearts and souls into these cars, it sucks when we have to see them destroyed, especially in your case where you can't do much about it. Was anything salvageable?

Also, Hoff you should chill a bit. He already said that he didn't stop it because he didn't feel safe doing so. You see that much smoke coming out of under your hood and your first instinct is to shove your hand under there? Maybe I would, maybe you would, maybe you wouldn't, maybe I wouldn't. You don't know what you'll do until you're in the situation. And in this case he chose his body parts over his car (which I would think is a good call, maybe you don't.) On many occasions I could have flamed you hard as well, did I? No. Why? Because whats the point? Its your car, not mine, its your life not mine, and saying anything negative is just going to screw up the good vibes. So why do it? Just chill out brohamski.

At first I was like but then I was like

Thanks for the empathy. We really do put a lot into these things and its unfortunate how fragile they actually are. I think the helpless feeling while I was standing there was actually the worst part of it and Hoff hitting on that really set me off. I truly feel similar to when a friend died and having someone call you out saying you didn't try to help that friend out of the fire when you truly felt helpless really sucks.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, I've learned a lot from this build, and the subsequent loss. About motors, suspension, the 240sx as a platform, driving, shops, parts, building, myself, friends, family and a lot of people around me that helped me in the good times building it etc and how they act when the ish hits the fan so to speak. I'm happy to be alive and that I'm fortunate enough to be able to move forward with my life without it since this whole car/project was really just a hobby/fun and not a car that I need for transportation etc.

[mindovaanything]

Jesus christ, why is everyone acting like I'm happy this happened?? For the last da** time, I have not once said or insinuated that I am happy about his car catching on fire. Grow up? For asking questions? Krash, I get what you are saying. I really do. I know I came off as condescending, which was not my original intent. I was simply asking why he stopped a took pictures and he jumped to conclusions thinking that I was saying he deserves it. I'm not going to apologize because he misunderstood very clear English with absolutely no hidden meanings. If ever want to flame me, go ahead. I don't let sh** get to me like a child.

I'm not trying to bring negativity to this thread. I have simply asked questions to try and figure out, for myself, what exactly could have cause this poor car to go up in flames. But now I look like an a** for repeating my questions when the OP continuously dances around the bush. Cool.

Seriously man, it seems to me like everyone else generally got the same vibe from the things that you were saying and it also seems that you were the only one who questioned me or had any issues with how much detail I included in my OP, accused me of committing a felony etc. Refusing to apologize, only now showing any humility and recognizing that you look like an ***hole and blaming it on the thread and context only further goes to show that you're not taking any responsibility for the offensive things you've said and instead trying to pass it back onto me and the other posters as not understanding what you meant. You knew from the beginning that you were being a d!ck hence the "no offense" disclaimer. Perhaps you should be looking at yourself, and the things you said when the majority appears to be in agreement about their "misunderstanding" of what you meant. I also don't see how I danced around the bush, I've been very clear in telling my story and as others said you weren't there etc and truly have no reason to not believe me other than simply wanting to instigate and bring negativity instead of anything of value.