Engine Fire on Hemi Today

[Topcat]

I had the alternator off a few weeks ago  when I replaced the heater hoses.
Something re arranged and then finally found the weak spot.

[7212Mopar]

Oh no Mike. Sorry this happened. Hope there is no paint damage. Check for any signs of rodent activity. I am dealing that on my 2012 now. When I got my 73, I found a burned and melted connector on the engine wiring harness and later replaced. I also did the ammeter bypass and ran a fat wire from alternator to the battery. Scary for sure. Hope you get the car fix soon.

[dodj]

Well, that really sux! Glad you kept the damage to a minimum.

[Topcat]

Looks savable. 

[RzeroB]

Holy cow Mike!! Good thing you had the extinguisher handy and had the presence of mind to go get it!! Great save!! I probably would have panicked, ran around in a circle screaming and lost the whole car!!

[dodj]

If your investigations determine the cause, I'd be interested in hearing about it as well as the type of extinguisher you had, since it did the job required of it.

[anlauto]

Wow...close call...glad you did what you did...

[72 Challenger]

That's terrifying. Glad you caught it and seem to be in good spirits.

[Burdar]

You never like to see anyone's car get damaged but when it's a members car it's even worse.  I think a lot of us watched your build thread on CC.com.  It's almost like the car was partly ours too.  Glad the damage was kept to a minimum.  Hopefully it can be fixed relatively quickly.

[YellowThumper]

Wow sorry to hear and see this.
Definate lesson for us in quick thinking and being prepared.

Please let us know what you find out. I would start investigating the engine surfaces surrounding the burnt power wire. When cleaning off the retardant, look for spark damage on surfaces. Burning heat rises. If there was spot of ignition from grounding short, it would show that damage.

Good luck.

[Topcat]

If your investigations determine the cause, I'd be interested in hearing about it as well as the type of extinguisher you had, since it did the job required of it.

ABC Extinguisher.

Main wire on back is the suspect.

[dodj]

If your investigations determine the cause, I'd be interested in hearing about it as well as the type of extinguisher you had, since it did the job required of it.

ABC Extinguisher.

I said type but I meant brand.

[wldgtx]

Coming from someone who survived a car fire (different circumstances) First let me say I am glad YOU are okay.

That said, I am glad to hear that you had an extinguisher and were able to stop the fire and possible damage.  It looks fixable and few folks mentioned insurance, and I TOTALLY agree, it is nothing that you should do on your own, that is why you pay for the insurance in the first place.  Best of Luck!

[Shoooter]

Glad to see it isnt a complete loss. Very lucky as this could have been alot worse

[340challconvert]

Topcat
Really glad you were able to contain the damage quickly.
I too worry about the 50 year old wiring on our cars.
I will do the changes necessary to remove the power going through the bulk head.
Definitely a weak spot in our Mopars.
Reminds me of the need to get a fire extinguisher for my garage.
Stay well!