Burnt up Tahoe, what could be viable to save?

[Nicolai8775]

In June I was driving down the highway when my poor baby blew up on me. It was on fire for about 5-10 minutes before the fire department got there.

Can anything be saved internally in the motor, like my Sum8701 camshaft? Maybe take the hardened pushrods too. That's really all I'd want out of the block. You can see in the pics the aluminum heads didn't melt. Not sure if internals got hot enough to lose temper/hardness.

The only thing I really want to salvage is the brand new monster transmission that I only had about 5,000 miles on. It was painted green... But smoke damage turned it black... I'm unsure of how much damage it could have sustained seeing as the fire was contained to the engine bay.

What are your thoughts??

 

[Nicolai8775]

RIP

 

[Doubeleive]

not much really, some drivetrain parts, rear hatch, rear glass, rear bumper.

 

[Tonyrodz]

That SUUUXXX!! Do you know what caused it yet? I'm glad no one was hurt.

 

[swathdiver]

In June I was driving down the highway when my poor baby blew up on me. It was on fire for about 5-10 minutes before the fire department got there.

Can anything be saved internally in the motor, like my Sum8701 camshaft? Maybe take the hardened pushrods too. That's really all I'd want out of the block. You can see in the pics the aluminum heads didn't melt. Not sure if internals got hot enough to lose temper/hardness.

The only thing I really want to salvage is the brand new monster transmission that I only had about 5,000 miles on. It was painted green... But smoke damage turned it black... I'm unsure of how much damage it could have sustained seeing as the fire was contained to the engine bay.

What are your thoughts??

Sorry to hear of that. I bet you could salvage some of the engine parts, the transmission and rear axle if necessary. Cross rails too? Some hair dryer heat and that vent shade will be ready for your next ride too!

Oil line burst or what?

 

[Doubeleive]

Sorry to hear of that. I bet you could salvage some of the engine parts, the transmission and rear axle if necessary. Cross rails too? Some hair dryer heat and that vent shade will be ready for your next ride too!

Oil line burst or what?

that's only thing that caused a fire for me before, leaking valve covers......I was lucky and was able to put it out a couple times lol older trans am

 

[iamdub]

In June I was driving down the highway when my poor baby blew up on me. It was on fire for about 5-10 minutes before the fire department got there.

Can anything be saved internally in the motor, like my Sum8701 camshaft? Maybe take the hardened pushrods too. That's really all I'd want out of the block. You can see in the pics the aluminum heads didn't melt. Not sure if internals got hot enough to lose temper/hardness.

The only thing I really want to salvage is the brand new monster transmission that I only had about 5,000 miles on. It was painted green... But smoke damage turned it black... I'm unsure of how much damage it could have sustained seeing as the fire was contained to the engine bay.

What are your thoughts??

Sorry for your loss

I'd be willing to bet that the cam and push rods are ok. Once you open it up, you'll be able to gauge how much heat got to them by observing the oil and surrounding components. Note the condition of the insides of the heads under the rocker covers, the valve stem seals, etc. I'd bet that the trans is okay as well since it appears to be a top engine fire and the trans is safely tucked under the cabin and behind the engine block.

 

[Nicolai8775]

My theory is I lean exploded the intake. Before I pulled over I had no throttle response like my fuel pump died. I was downshifting trying to find power to get over to the shoulder and maneuver around traffic and it was giving me some but it was sputtering and misfiring. Second I pulled over and stopped the hood popped and a fireball went out the wheel well.

Basically I'm at the point where I either leave it at the salvage yard and get the final chunk of the insurance settlement, or forfeit the rest and have them tow it to me

 

[iamdub]

My theory is I lean exploded the intake. Before I pulled over I had no throttle response like my fuel pump died. I was downshifting trying to find power to get over to the shoulder and maneuver around traffic and it was giving me some but it was sputtering and misfiring. Second I pulled over and stopped the hood popped and a fireball went out the wheel well.

Basically I'm at the point where I either leave it at the salvage yard and get the final chunk of the insurance settlement, or forfeit the rest and have them tow it to me

Or the fuel line popped loose, causing a loss of pressure (loss of power) then the leaked fuel ignited.

 

[Nicolai8775]

Or the fuel line popped loose, causing a loss of pressure (loss of power) then the leaked fuel ignited.

Also possible, and maybe even more likely. But I'd like to think it wasn't something I ****** up lol

 

[OR VietVet]

Like has been said, need to take apart and see what is what. Got very hot for sure but how far did that heat travel and while metal parts may be ok, down low and backwards, the less sturdy items that work with them could be trash or not worth the CHANCE.

 

[iamdub]

Simple way to check the push rod is to roll it on a piece of glass, like a mirror or window pane. Not one of those cheap hanging mirrors that flex- a stiff, real glass mirror.

 

[iamdub]

Also possible, and maybe even more likely. But I'd like to think it wasn't something I ****** up lol

Of course! Either way, you know to be thorough with any build. Do you recall reinstalling this clip onto the inlet hose? It won't go on there unless the fitting is fully snapped into place.

It's metal so it might still be on the rail if it was there. Or, it warped and fell off in the intense heat. Just something to look over.

 

[tom3]

I wouldn't say a word about any mods to anyone. Usual buy back is about 10% of value I think, transmission would cover that and the rest might have some profit. But some aggravation too.

 

[Rocket Man]

Sorry for your loss. That was a nice looking rig, looks like you took good care of it.

 

[exp500]

Still can probably get $1000+ for engine as a core, Tranny is coming out too so its easy. Dpn't have to worry about hurting wires! Sawzall front off grille /radiator out in an hour!

 

[live2pull]

My theory is I lean exploded the intake. Before I pulled over I had no throttle response like my fuel pump died. I was downshifting trying to find power to get over to the shoulder and maneuver around traffic and it was giving me some but it was sputtering and misfiring. Second I pulled over and stopped the hood popped and a fireball went out the wheel well.

Basically I'm at the point where I either leave it at the salvage yard and get the final chunk of the insurance settlement, or forfeit the rest and have them tow it to me

I know it sucks, but for me I would take the check and look for another ride.

 

[Nicolai8775]

Been a busy week. Forgot to respond to you all. I think I'm just gonna take the rest of the settlement. I already bought a 2004 Z71 Suburban and it's got some things that need to get done. It's high mileage but the trans has been replaced, so that's kinda nice.

I'm gonna make a new post. Have questions about oil pressure

 

[Nicolai8775]

Still can probably get $1000+ for engine as a core, Tranny is coming out too so its easy. Dpn't have to worry about hurting wires! Sawzall front off grille /radiator out in an hour!

There's no radiator or grill left to cut haha