uptown193

While I was driving, I smelled fuel so I was trying to get back home since I was a block away and POP.... Flames....911 call. Here are photos of the aftermath. Do you think I can save her? I put a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears into this. I think there was a leak at the fuel regulator.

I actually want to post this thread more as a discussion and warning to other C4 owners. Make sure you at least have comprehensive insurance on your policy so you are covered for fires like this. It only cost about $250 more a year. Carry a fire extinguisher in your car. Yes some are $100+ but they are well worth it. If I had one I would have been able to contain my car's fire until the FD came. Never ever operate your car, not even a block if you smell a strong scent of fuel, just tow it or push it home if your close. Carry a flash light and check your fuel lines.

AirForceOne!

Damn, that sucks! Total loss huh?

uptown193

I dont know yet. I'm hoping its not. Worst feeling though.

pologreen1

I noticed I have a leaky hose a couple weeks ago too. This is common on these cars or at least in the sense it's been documented several times on these forums through the years.

Glad it's nothing serious.

uptown193

Yea man I advise if you smell any fuel just pull over and call a tow truck. Better to pay $75 for a tow or AAA than $7,500 for repairs.

Your think I can save my car based on what you see in photos and video?

Rod LaLanne

WOW THAT REALLY SUCKS. AS FAR AS FIXING. IT WILL BE VERY COSTLY. HOPE YOU HAD GOOD INSURANCE. IF THE TOTAL THE CAR YOU CAN BUY IT BACK, REBUILD IT AND REGESTER IT AS A REBUILD.
GOOD LUCK MY FRIEND, AND KEEP US POSTED

ROD

1993C4LT1

That truly sucks because I saw how much effort you put into this car. It looked good when you finished it. Hope you figure it out.

#70SM2

wow! glad you were not hurt .. Fuel systems on these older high performance cars are a for sure must to inspect and maintain, serious thread for new owners .. Best of luck, and I would consider maybe finding a parts car.

RUU

I think you can save it, but I fear the insurance company will want to write it off

mrmtrtrnd

Man I hate to see that happen to anyone but your car was so cool, so that just sucks big time.

Frizlefrak

Insurance will write it off. You can, of course, buy the salvage. But just from what I can see, it's a parts car. The entire dash structure is compromised and will have to be replaced. Anything electronic in there is a goner. Windshield alone will run north of $600. And there's probably more damaged in the engine compartment than is readily apparent.

There are a ton of C4's on the market, and they're cheap. My advice is to start over. But if you're determined, from a purely practical standpoint, it can be rebuilt. Question is how much and how long?

MotorCity_87_C4

I've had 3 leaks in the last few years, First at fuel line in from filter after engine rebuild. 2nd at fuel rail for cold start injector, both were o-rings. The latest was last week when FPR diaphram went and vacuum hose split. Those vacuum hoses breakdown when exposed to gasoline. Glad nobody was hurt but the damage looks bad. Water damage down into the dash?

#70SM2

here
I have to agree here .. I had new 24lb. fuel injectors replaced by Larry at 'Camarillo Performance.' Professional Engine Builder. Fuel systems nothing to play around with. There are some serious threads here on 'Fires' .. Since there are no engine fuel cutoff on early C4's. Anything 25 year old rubber, replace it.

93Rubie

This is why last winter I replaced EVERY fuel system o-ring/seal etc... on my 93. The only thing I could NOT replace was the rubber lines back at the tank. A fuel leak back there is not as likely to start a fire as in the engine compartment. I also carry a fire extinguisher in my car. Cheap insurance. If I can get it out before major damage occurs, I just may save it.

Use this as a lesson folks the cars are getting older, replacing o-rings/seals and keep a fire extinguisher in the car is MUST DO maintenance.

Calderone

This seriously sucks !
I think you can save her and i hope you can !
damn it ! It's important to know the cause
So we can check ours ! Hope you solve it soon.

#70SM2

It quite simple. Go through every component of fuel system. Not so difficult. But may save you life and car!

383vett

Bummer. If you have a lot invested in the motor and drivetrain, buy the salvage back from the insurance company and use it in another c4 with a good body. You can probably buy it back for a couple of grand. Good luck.

John.87

damn I would cry. Hopefully everything works out for you!

uptown193

Yea man I put so much effort, money and hard work from me and many others. The paint and body are in perfect condition as well as the interior except for the dash and some plastic parts under it. My mechanic will take a look at it. Maybe make it a winter project and bring her back to life next spring.

I am not going to lie, I did shed a few tears for a brief moment. I could not help it, especially if you saw my partial restore thread and all the work put into it. The car being 1987 does not mean anything to me. I am going to do my best to save her. It is just very upsetting and makes me feel empty. All I can do now is shake my head.

uptown193

Thank you. I am glad I was not hurt either. I guess that is the positive side of this story. Good idea on finding a parts car. I will look into that. I just need to get the car back and see what real damage there is to the engine compartment and dash. Thanks again.

All I can say to everyone is if you smell fuel and see fuel spurting out just pull over and call a tow truck/AAA and always carry a flash light in your car. My sound obvious but many of us are hard headed.