Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-09-2005, 05:52 PM   #1
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default Goodbye EA

Was watching TV this evening, nothing out of the ordinary, when I got a friendly knock on the door from a helpful chap to tell me my car is on fire. Surely enough this guy wasn't just messing with me. I went out to the driveway to find the engine bay of my EA was in flames. How did it start? Buggered if I know. Looks like it's written off, will post pictures soon.

Oh yeah, I am insured, so I'm not too worried about that. Just a little ****ed off.

Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 05:53 PM   #2
LUXO_8
windsor user
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Geelong
Posts: 13,123
Default

geez mate thats no good....had you been driving it just before or what?
LUXO_8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 05:55 PM   #3
nat_daly
Nat D
 
nat_daly's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,131
Default

dude...:
i bet sum ******** lit it up or something..
thats so strange tho.. its not everyday that happens..
nat_daly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 05:59 PM   #4
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default

I had just been driving it, but only for about 5 mins. I don't know what the hell happened. I'm just a bit gutted because in the last 2 months it has had a recon head, new alternator, new tyres, new water pump, new rego and new warrant of fitness, so I'm losing a fair bit here. Will wait and see what happens when I make a claim.
Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 06:03 PM   #5
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default

Here's the pictures....
Attached Images
File Type: jpg fire1.JPG (59.2 KB, 224 views)
File Type: jpg fire3.JPG (39.2 KB, 124 views)
File Type: jpg fire4.JPG (56.7 KB, 158 views)
File Type: jpg fire5.JPG (44.8 KB, 112 views)
Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 06:07 PM   #6
megsy
Undergraduate EB Operator
 
megsy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albury/ Wodonga
Posts: 539
Default

got any idea where it started? battery, wiring ect?
__________________
Simon
-----------------------
04 BA Xr6 ... now with carpark dints
-----------------------
megsy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 06:14 PM   #7
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default

It's hard to say, I'll have a good look tomorrow but the fire crew said it will be impossible to tell because the bonnet was shut for so long the heat spread throughout everything.

I don't know if it means anything, but I just put a second hand alternator in this morning and it was working fine, but when I drove to the shops about 10 mins before the fire it was over volting, as if the regulator was no good. I parked the car up with the intention of looking at it tomorrow. Maybe a short inside the regulator? Don't know how that could have started such a big fire though. I know there is power steering fluid leaking somewhere. I had a quick look today but couldn't find a source. Maybe the p/s pipes that go over the exhaust are damaged and leaked ATF onto the hot exhaust? I could sit here coming up with theories all day really.
Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 07:15 PM   #8
EL_futuraistic
Regular Member
 
EL_futuraistic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: victoria
Posts: 495
Default

Geez, thats genuinely poor luck. I hope you get a decent amount from your insurance, although its not much consolation. Was the rest of the car damaged?
EL_futuraistic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 07:41 PM   #9
Shonky
my other ride is the bus.
 
Shonky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Under a rock.
Posts: 1,367
Default

Did you extinguish it yourself or leave it to the firies?

Regardless, that sucks mate
__________________
1994 ED Fairmont Ghia (Retired to the shed...)
1999 AU Futura

+ Lots of Land Rovers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sourbastard
Edelbrock.... not Peter Brock. Theres a world of difference. For a start my heads have much less gum tree in them.
Shonky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 08:15 PM   #10
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default

Tried to put it out myself, but it was hopeless with just a garden hose. Had to wait for the fire service. I'm doing the sums and the way I see it I'll be lucky if the insurance pays out enough to pay the cars loan off after I've paid excess, let alone give me enough money to get a new car. Don't know what the hell I'm going to do, I'll have to wait and see what the insurance company has to say about it.
Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 08:24 PM   #11
Walkinshaw
Two > One
 
Walkinshaw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 7,063
Default

Garden Hose + Electrical fire...............


(the fire is terrible mate, hope everything gets sorted out)
__________________
1978 LTD - 408ci - 11.5@120.6mph -
2004 S4 - 4.2 - M6 - quattro -

Walkinshaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 08:24 PM   #12
DanXR6T
Eat more peanuts....
 
DanXR6T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Kingaroy, Qld
Posts: 502
Default

My advice, don't mention anything of this thread to anyone regarding insurance, etc or any recent work you have done on it.

"There was no leaks and everything was working fine"

"I did not replace the alternator and it was definately not over charging"

Read, this thread will self destruct in 30 secs...
__________________
'04 Falcon XR6T Ute, Envi, K&N filter, F6 Intake, Twin 2.5" exhaust...

Formerly owned:
'99 AU Falcon Ute
'88 EA Falcon GL
DanXR6T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 08:25 PM   #13
LTDHO
The one and only
 
LTDHO's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Carrum Downs, Victoria
Posts: 9,053
Default

Sorry to see/hear...

Could be one of two most of the time.
Petrol leak onto exhaust (bit hard for cross flow)
Or electrical. Was everything except starter fused?
__________________
1992 DC LTDHO 360rwkw built by me
Tuned by CVE Performance
Going of the rails on a crazy train
Other cars include Dynamic ED Sprint, Dynamic DL LTD, Sparkling Burgundy DL LTD, Yellow, Red & Blue XB sedan & Black XB Coupe
LTDHO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 08:39 PM   #14
LUXO_8
windsor user
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Geelong
Posts: 13,123
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Axeman82
My advice, don't mention anything of this thread to anyone regarding insurance, etc or any recent work you have done on it.

"There was no leaks and everything was working fine"

"I did not replace the alternator and it was definately not over charging"

Read, this thread will self destruct in 30 secs...
good point, you dont want this to bite you in the bum....
LUXO_8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 09:07 PM   #15
M14A-Mclaren
Foo Fighter
 
M14A-Mclaren's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Wellington, NZ
Posts: 3,740
Default

Did the fire service say it was an electrical fire?
M14A-Mclaren is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 09:26 PM   #16
loxxr6
XB in parts...
 
loxxr6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,890
Default

Quote:
Was watching TV this evening, nothing out of the ordinary, when I got a friendly knock on the door from a helpful chap to tell me my car is on fire. Surely enough this guy wasn't just messing with me. I went out to the driveway to find the engine bay of my EA was in flames. How did it start? Buggered if I know. Looks like it's written off, will post pictures soon.
I had the same thing happen with an XD. Just caught on fire in a K-mart carpark. Something to do with a solid fuel line ?? (metal pipe instead of the rubber or whatever pipe is used now).
__________________


Daily Driver 2019 Ford Escape...looking for XR6T's.


loxxr6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2005, 09:56 PM   #17
svo347
AFF's 1st DM.......
 
svo347's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Wha???... There is only 2 states 2 be in.. WA or Drunk..
Posts: 6,200
Default

Sorry to read mate but atleast yourself & family wasnt injured
__________________
FORD GIVING POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Alloy headed 347ci EDXR8
13.21 @107.7mph
Quote:
Originally Posted by zetec
I know what lengths they go to to ensure it's more than just a Ford sticker on the part. Ford doesn't throw it's name on anything for a quick buck.
06 Turbo Terri AWD 6 sp in Neo with stuff i didnt even need, side steps,15.2 inch roof mounted DVD,Pioneer $tezza,Selby 30/18mm swaybars,debunged,100 cpsi Ballistic cat,Plazmaman under battery Cai injectors 14/lb boost,ZF tuned,Xtreme's magic. :
svo347 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 06:25 AM   #18
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by M14A-Mclaren
Did the fire service say it was an electrical fire?

They said it was impossible to tell. I went out this morning and checked all of my work from yesterday and there were no shorts caused by anything I did. The big main yellow cable is still bolted to the back of the alternator (although it's not so yellow now) and those P/S lines I was talking about actually run under the exhaust and there's no way it could have leaked onto the exhaust. I'm at a total loss as to what caused it but at this point I don't really care.

Quote:
Originally Posted by loxxr6
I had the same thing happen with an XD. Just caught on fire in a K-mart carpark. Something to do with a solid fuel line ?? (metal pipe instead of the rubber or whatever pipe is used now).
Well it is somewhat comforting to know I'm not the only person on earth to fall victim to spontaneous automotive combustion.
Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 09:42 AM   #19
Sourbastard
Moderator
Contributing Member
 
Sourbastard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Adelaide SA
Posts: 5,584
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Gayner
I'm at a total loss as to what caused it
Cant rule out suicide at this point.
__________________

1965 XP Falcon Deluxe Sedan
1978 XC Falcon Wagon Rallypack
2003 BA Fairlane G220

Windsor Powah!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7hT9dxD2hM

Sourbastard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 12:09 PM   #20
BuuBox
Regular Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 465
Default

Ouch, that's not good to hear :( Bit strange how it happened, wouldn't think that just overvolting would cause that. Good luck with the insurance and all that...

On a happier note, that EB Fairmont V8 is definatly a step in the right direction!
BuuBox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 12:31 PM   #21
The MaDDeSTMaN
No longer driving a Ford.
 
The MaDDeSTMaN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 2,969
Default

Ouch, particularly after you spending more money on it recently. Hope the insurance company sorts everything out quickly for you mate.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by russellw
For those who get their jollies attacking other people let me remind you that we will not tolerate this here. If you want to do that then I am sure your presence would be welcomed elsewhere.
The MaDDeSTMaN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 12:38 PM   #22
Sourbastard
Moderator
Contributing Member
 
Sourbastard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Adelaide SA
Posts: 5,584
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN
Hope the insurance company sorts everything out quickly for you mate.
Theres opportunity here. If he syphons the petrol from his tank and sells it, when the insurance pays up, he will have doubled his money.
__________________

1965 XP Falcon Deluxe Sedan
1978 XC Falcon Wagon Rallypack
2003 BA Fairlane G220

Windsor Powah!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7hT9dxD2hM

Sourbastard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 12:43 PM   #23
XRated
Shoot.
 
XRated's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,909
Default

Geez mate, that's bad luck :( Gives me more motivation to purchase an extinguisher for my car.
__________________


20V Turbo

XRated is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 12:56 PM   #24
The MaDDeSTMaN
No longer driving a Ford.
 
The MaDDeSTMaN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Posts: 2,969
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by XRated
Gives me more motivation to purchase an extinguisher for my car.
That's a very good idea for everyone I think. After all, much quicker then waiting for the fire fighters, and much more effective then a garden hose.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by russellw
For those who get their jollies attacking other people let me remind you that we will not tolerate this here. If you want to do that then I am sure your presence would be welcomed elsewhere.
The MaDDeSTMaN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 12:58 PM   #25
NZ
~~~
 
NZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: At your U.B.
Posts: 2,099
Default

did the fire get into the cabin? I seen a ef wagon with a burnt up dash at a wrecker. Wanted to make me vomit
NZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 08:05 PM   #26
Valknutr
Regular Member
 
Valknutr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 330
Default

you said some guy walked up and said you car is on fire?? why didnt he run or yell or something, maybe he started it....
__________________
car that goes (just) <----- gonna be MENACE so :thebirds:
Valknutr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 08:38 PM   #27
Mike Gayner
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Mike Gayner's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Posts: 1,488
Default

Maybe, I've never seen him before and he was gone as soon as I came out to the car....
Mike Gayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 08:40 PM   #28
bindi
Redhead extraordinaire...
 
bindi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Blue Mountains, NSW
Posts: 2,049
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Gayner
Maybe, I've never seen him before and he was gone as soon as I came out to the car....
That's a bit suss mate...

Shame about the car btw. Sad to see the demise of an EA :(
__________________
Bindi
88 EA- his car
88 Rolla - MY car

Quote:
Originally Posted by big_waity
Oh, and another surefire symptom will be the Falcon badge at the back.
bindi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 08:42 PM   #29
Psycho Chicken
Banned
 
Psycho Chicken's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: South East Melbourne
Posts: 6,156
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Gayner
Well it is somewhat comforting to know I'm not the only person on earth to fall victim to spontaneous automotive combustion.
Just visit a Lotus/Range Rover/Triumph forum, I'm sure you'll get lots of support/rants about headlights not working.

Quote:
Originally Posted by NZ
did the fire get into the cabin? I seen a ef wagon with a burnt up dash at a wrecker. Wanted to make me vomit
There's an NA like that at JRs. I saw it "WOW that's mad as hell tint!" Opened the door then the smell hit me....
Psycho Chicken is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2005, 11:26 PM   #30
XRated
Shoot.
 
XRated's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,909
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Psycho Chicken
There's an NA like that at JRs. I saw it "WOW that's mad as hell tint!" Opened the door then the smell hit me....
LMFAO! Yeah I did exactly the same thing hahahaha!!
__________________


20V Turbo

XRated is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 08:31 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL