Another Loss

[MKUltra]

I'm still at a loss for words. I knew something bad was going to happen when it dropped a cylinder and was missfiring. I was trying to lip it back to my girlfriends apt and made it into the complex only to hear what i would describe as "a propane grill left with the burners on too long then finally ignited".

Flames flashed under the dash into the footwells, out from the sides of the hood, out from the grill, out from the wheel wells... I got out of the car and tried dumping bottles of water as fast as i could but it was like pissing in a furnace. Then myself and some neighbors started pounding on peoples doors to get them to move their cars away from mine.

The fire started going out but as it sat there the starter shorted out and started spinning the motor pumping more fuel into the already **** situation.

Fire department came, got it under control. They then opened the drivers door after everything was out and started pumping water into the interior.

$200 dollars later. The car in my driveway. I tried staying positive all last night, thinking i could save it with a fresh motor and just have fun driving it around burnt looking. Saw it today and it changed my mind. I dont have the time before i ship out to straighten this thing out...

I'm not sure exactly how i feel right now.












The hottest point in the engine bay for sure...

[JiveTurkey]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Anything I say would sound stupid. If there's ANYTHING I can do to help please let me know.

[mamali]

Sorry for your loss. Do you know what started it?

[diametricalbenz]

Wow that is terrible but from the flames the engine bay doesn't look nearly as bad as I thought it would look. I suppose the metal shielded much of the heat.

[Stretch]

Nightmare - absolute nightmare. Don't loose heart. Keep it dry and out of the wet until you decide what to do. Don't let the dreaded rust take hold.

[SilkMoneyLove]

Sorry that happened.

My $.02 is to let insurance write you a check on go shopping. Let this car donate parts so that others may run.

My guess is maybe a backfire through the carb started the external combustion...must have already been leaking though. Bad deal all the way around.

[daw_two]

So sad; sorry for your loss --- thankfully, no one was hurt. I can't see the pics from work. Where are you located?

[GaryF]

Nightmare !!!!

At least no person was hurt, hope you can salvage her she looks good elsewhere.
Those plug leads must be super heat resistant.

[MKUltra]

Im in upstate ny, utica to be exact.

The car was basic insurance as i am under 25 and couldnt get classic car insurance.

its for sale, 2k OBO

[alabbasi]

Echoing everyone comments, I'm happy to hear that you are safe.

[Benzcrusher]

Go directly to Big Al's and have a steak.

[MKUltra]

If i could find another motor and wiring harness and other parts locally fairly cheap i would consider rebuilding it. However, money always sees to drain into other things when you lose a project such as this.

Was a comfortable car, frankly still is.

Needs:

Motor
Distributer
Carbs
Intake
Brake booster
Brake Master Cylinder
Lines
Wiring harness
Radiator
Hoses
Radiator fan(may just got electric here)


I was offered a Dodge 440 and 727 out of a running motorhome... that would be interesting.

Im not sure how id handle the cross member though.

Ideas Ideas...

[daw_two]

Tell us what MERCEDES motor you really want. I think you would be surprised what is available, where, and at what cost.

[PanzerSD]

Originally Posted by MKUltra

If i could find another motor and wiring harness and other parts locally fairly cheap i would consider rebuilding it. However, money always sees to drain into other things when you lose a project such as this.

Was a comfortable car, frankly still is.

Needs:

Motor
Distributer
Carbs
Intake
Brake booster
Brake Master Cylinder
Lines
Wiring harness
Radiator
Hoses
Radiator fan(may just got electric here)


I was offered a Dodge 440 and 727 out of a running motorhome... that would be interesting.

Im not sure how id handle the cross member though.

Ideas Ideas...

Sorry for your loss, it would have been salvageable had the FD not filled the car with water.
Actually, a dodge swap in isn't a bad Idea. although a 440 would be too big for that car, a 360 or 340 would be better.

[MKUltra]

as far as the car getting sprayed down, turns out the literally just gave it a quick spirt... i turned around before they started so i didn't know how long they sprayed. the back seat was dry this morning and the fronts are dry after sitting out all day.

Now its just a matter of getting a motor.

I dont know mercedes well enough to know the names of the motors. The stock 2.3 that was in this one made me happy enough so if any one in the NE has a good runner for cheap ... its much appreciated.