Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

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Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

November 08, 2004, 10:52:12 AM

You know, it's not fun when you're driving to work at 6:30 am and your car catches fire... especially when you can't even tell it's burning!

My 85 t/c has been burning oil as long as I've had it, so it's not an unuasual smell. As I'm driving to work this morning the guy behind me is making all sorts of frantic motions at me. I pulled in to the other lane and he tells me that there are flames flying out from the bottom of my car :eek:

I pulled over and popped the hood. Apparently the oil was leaking on to the turbo and manifold and catching fire. As I was driving the fire was blowing everywhere.

I called the fire department and by the time they got there it had burnt itself out, but they were still glad I called.

Car seems ok except for valve cover gasket and possibly the plug wires, but definately a bad way to start a monday...

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #1 – November 08, 2004, 10:58:14 AM

wow. That is a shiznitty deal on a monday morning. Glad it didn't burn to the ground though. Any electrical damage?

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #2 – November 08, 2004, 11:12:03 AM

Not that I know of, I had it brought to a shop, it's just getting too cold to deal with it.

It still starts and drives (easier to drive it on to the ramp truck and around the lot at the shop). And there's no visual signs of any electrical damage up top. Only place there might be damage that I didn't notice is under the car. As long as it doesn't get hot before it's fixed, there shouldn't be any problems.

Now everybody with a dirty engine go give it a bath!

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #3 – November 08, 2004, 01:58:54 PM

Definately sounds like a experience to have. Glad to see you're still alive to tell the tale!

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #4 – November 08, 2004, 03:38:17 PM

Crystal..it has probably been the v/c gasket leaking....if you have a shop fix it..be sure they use the FORD v/c gasket(P/N F57Z-6584-A)....it is rubber with a solid steel core. It will never leak again...and is reusable.
To be certain I'd just go buy one yourself and take it to them. Otherwise you may wind up with something less desireable in there. I only use the Ford ones any more. Got them on 3 engines and have had them apart several times each...

If it wasn't the v/c gasket..was it the turbo oil feed line? You can get an inexpensive "better" replacement.

Sucks about the fire.

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #5 – November 08, 2004, 04:46:49 PM

Agreed. I used a Felpro gasket, rubber with steel gromits, and had to replace it with a the Ford part three days later. (hell yeah I got my money back)

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #6 – November 08, 2004, 04:57:00 PM

I went to summit racing and got te summit branded gasket with the steel inner shim. 13 bucks and a little thicker than most.

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #7 – November 08, 2004, 06:47:22 PM

Reminds me that I should install that tranny pan gasket on my car, its been in the trunk for 2 years :) but it only crackles,pops, and smokes when you realy go hard on it. Isnt that why I pay extra for fire on my insurance

Anyway, glad to hear it wasnt too bad. Coulda been alot worse.

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #8 – November 09, 2004, 12:07:40 AM

Quote from: nirvanagod

I went to summit racing and got te summit branded gasket with the steel inner shim. 13 bucks and a little thicker than most.

They're probably not going to have one for a 2.3T motor....just a hunch...

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #9 – November 09, 2004, 07:18:47 AM

yep, it was the v/c gasket, changed with the same one old raven used and apparently it didn't work and made fire...

Bringing the Ford one to the shop :) It needs a timing belt too and like I said... too cold! (18 degrees this morning... :()

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #10 – November 09, 2004, 10:49:46 AM

Quote from: Chuck W

They're probably not going to have one for a 2.3T motor....just a hunch...

DUH, :shoothead , tells ya how little sleep i get in a day (or night!)!!!

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #11 – November 09, 2004, 10:24:35 PM

do the 87-88's use the same gasket as the earlier 2.3T's? I hae one of the gaskets but its off a 85 block and the valve covers are different 87-88?

Re: Nothin like a car fire in the mornin...

Reply #12 – November 10, 2004, 09:55:05 AM

All the 2.3T's use the same gasket (actually all the 2.3's do). That part number I gave is actually a Ranger part number (the last US vehicle the 2.3 Lima motor was used in)