What is damage when there is a fire in engine ?
 

I am considering bidding to purchase this '84 380SL.
Sure the price will be low and this was extremely well kept in and out.

See from the picture there was a fire in the air filter area. I am not too familiar with gas engines. Does anyone have ballpark idea what damage this could be and what repairing it may entail? The picture is on the forum's For sale post I put up today. ( Wont let me upload it more than once )

Thanks, Austin

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It all depends on how extensive the fire was and how long it burned. It's awfully hard to tell from that picture, too. Wiring harnesses and hoses usually go first, and it doesn't take much to cook them.

Long fires can melt alloys, and that's the worst-case scenario. Short of that the engine itself is usually fine, it's all the external stuff.

That's kind of the same analysis regardless of the engine type, except that gas burns a bit easier.

In any case you just need to inspect it thoroughly.

BTW, you don't need to re-upload it, just right-click the picture, choose "copy image url" and then link it with the photo icon:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...9276673_7x.jpg

Good luck.

It would probably have to be a sight unseen as it goes off tomorrow and its too far for me to get to in Tampa ...I think today is the last day allowed for inspection From what you tell me though and the picture there looks like there is alot of things that are not burned up if the fire was going on for a long time... Of course IDK. The wires and hoses are all there ..and the battery cables too. Even looks like the windshield washer hoses are in 1 piece on upper left corner of the pic...

I've dealt with and have seen various fires over the years. Most of the plastic is intact so I'd call the fire pretty small. ( Air cleaner duct , heater case, battery , master cylinder reservoir, wiring and of course the source of the fire.)

To fix you will need a complete parts car sitting in the next bay. The real question is if the firewall paint is burnt, if it is, the underdash area may be as well. The repair is more labor intensive than difficult so be sure your time is worth the labor. To get rid of burnt plastic smell, use mineral spirits / lacquer thinner to remove smoke from surfaces.

These cars were made for 18 years so the pool is large to draw from, so don't rule out finding another car with a bad motor, hit front and blending the two, ( in either direction )

2 pics
 

The hood is open for the fire I believe only. Here are a couple of pics.... I will give it a shot tomorrow , make that THURSDAY... and report back. Thanks much,

Austin

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Doesn't even look like it was on fire long enough or hot enough to damage the hood/paint. Beautiful interior. I'd buy it! :D

The yard says they list it as rebuilt title and will have to replace the engine to register it in Florida. Will check it and maybe look into diesel swap with 5 cy turbo...

Why would you have to replace the engine to register in FL?

I dont remember exact wording but called the yard and they said they listed it as a salvage title because of bad engine so......

I doubt you would have to replace the engine in order to get it titled. The car only needs to be in safe operating condition, just keep all your receipts.