Discussion
Hi all,
I'm sad to say that last weekend my '97 Chim500 caught fire driving out of the garage. It was an engine fire, or at least the flames came out of the bonnet, and it looks like it's a write off. I was still optimistic at the time that it would be fixable since it only burnt for 2-3 minutes, which didn't seem that bad. The initial impression from the garage though is not so bright, so unless the insurance agent says otherwise I'll be looking into a new car.
f*ck.
( http://picasaweb.google.com/Edwinvds/Disaster )
I'm sad to say that last weekend my '97 Chim500 caught fire driving out of the garage. It was an engine fire, or at least the flames came out of the bonnet, and it looks like it's a write off. I was still optimistic at the time that it would be fixable since it only burnt for 2-3 minutes, which didn't seem that bad. The initial impression from the garage though is not so bright, so unless the insurance agent says otherwise I'll be looking into a new car.
f*ck.
( http://picasaweb.google.com/Edwinvds/Disaster )
It could well have been the fuel line running across the rear of the engine, there have recently been reports of split lines spaying fuel over engine and manifolds.
I have personally had the problem on my previous 99 car with petrol soaking the HT leads and manifold, fortunately it did not ignite, but it would only take an old HT lead to arc in the wrong place to cause a disaster.
I have just noticed the same fuel line deterioration on my current 98 car, so will need to change these pretty quick.
It may be wise to try to alert all owners to check their fuel lines through the pistonheads email or home page, I dont think this is a fault that everyone will be aware of, and a cracked fuel could be easily spotted, even by the least mechanically capable.
I have personally had the problem on my previous 99 car with petrol soaking the HT leads and manifold, fortunately it did not ignite, but it would only take an old HT lead to arc in the wrong place to cause a disaster.
I have just noticed the same fuel line deterioration on my current 98 car, so will need to change these pretty quick.
It may be wise to try to alert all owners to check their fuel lines through the pistonheads email or home page, I dont think this is a fault that everyone will be aware of, and a cracked fuel could be easily spotted, even by the least mechanically capable.
peter miller said:
It could well have been the fuel line running across the rear of the engine, there have recently been reports of split lines spaying fuel over engine and manifolds.
I have personally had the problem on my previous 99 car with petrol soaking the HT leads and manifold, fortunately it did not ignite, but it would only take an old HT lead to arc in the wrong place to cause a disaster.
I have just noticed the same fuel line deterioration on my current 98 car, so will need to change these pretty quick.
It may be wise to try to alert all owners to check their fuel lines through the pistonheads email or home page, I dont think this is a fault that everyone will be aware of, and a cracked fuel could be easily spotted, even by the least mechanically capable.
I agree in fact i have just checked mine as a direct result of this sad Topic I have personally had the problem on my previous 99 car with petrol soaking the HT leads and manifold, fortunately it did not ignite, but it would only take an old HT lead to arc in the wrong place to cause a disaster.
I have just noticed the same fuel line deterioration on my current 98 car, so will need to change these pretty quick.
It may be wise to try to alert all owners to check their fuel lines through the pistonheads email or home page, I dont think this is a fault that everyone will be aware of, and a cracked fuel could be easily spotted, even by the least mechanically capable.
I would urge all of us to check the fuel hoses running against the bulk head and plenum
Pasco
That is such a shame - I can hardly begin to imagine what was going through your mind when standing looking at the damage (I presume that's you in the reflection on the front wing of one of the photos?). I do hope that the insurance company are professional in dealing with your claim. There's some great advice available on here regarding insurance. Don't hesitate to ask for advice before accepting their first offer. You might be surprised how much more they may have discretion to offer, provided you handle the negotiation correctly.
Sorry to see the pics of your beautiful car in such a sad state.
Three years ago I seriously smashed up the Cobra that I had spent a year buiding so I can imagine the way you feel now.
I hope that you can get it repaired or a decent settlement agreed with the insurance company,
regards,
Keith
Three years ago I seriously smashed up the Cobra that I had spent a year buiding so I can imagine the way you feel now.
I hope that you can get it repaired or a decent settlement agreed with the insurance company,
regards,
Keith
This is the Chim I passed on the A3 on Bank Holiday Monday and then saw arrive at Fernies while I was there (posted in the Spotted forum here: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0... Looked like a real mess I'm sorry to say. I'm going to check my fuel lines this weekend.
Has anyone ever fitted a rally style system like the following to a Chimera as the tank would fit in the boot possibly on the wheel arch and a couple of jets under the bonnet routed around the fuel rail.
http://www.lifeline-fire.co.uk/fireextinguisher/el...
http://www.lifeline-fire.co.uk/fireextinguisher/el...
Thanks for the sympathy, much appreciated. The cause must have been a leaky fuel line somewhere. Basically the car started fine, and only when I drove up the ramp to get out of the garage the fire started. Besides that there was a - stronger than usual - petrol smell in the car.
The damage will be assessed in the next few days, will keep you all posted. In the meantime, check those fuel lines!
cheers,
Edwin.
p.s. yes, it probably was the one dropped off at Fernhurst on monday, unless someone else had the same misfortune.
p.p.s. looking into a Cerb if it needs replacing!
The damage will be assessed in the next few days, will keep you all posted. In the meantime, check those fuel lines!
cheers,
Edwin.
p.s. yes, it probably was the one dropped off at Fernhurst on monday, unless someone else had the same misfortune.
p.p.s. looking into a Cerb if it needs replacing!
v8ed said:
Just a quick update as promised. It's official now, it's a write off! Good thing is that I got a pretty good valuation of it. Even better is that the insurance company already coughed up the cash.
Cerby, here I come
.
cheers,
Edwin.
Pleased it has worked out well for you. Bring on that Cerbera Cerby, here I come
.cheers,
Edwin.
v8ed said:
Just a quick update as promised. It's official now, it's a write off! Good thing is that I got a pretty good valuation of it. Even better is that the insurance company already coughed up the cash.
Cerby, here I come .
cheers,
Edwin.
Chap would you mind telling us the name of your insurance company please Cerby, here I come
.cheers,
Edwin.
We all go on about cheep policies but its only a time like your sad experience do you find out who the good companies really are
BTW why a Cerbi and not a Griff 500
you will miss the roof option come next summer mate 
Pasco
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