I finally saved up my money to get a new fuel pump put in my car, yesterday. The shop said my tank had a hole cut in it, and it was leaded over, as well as a well worn and dirty fuel pump, and filter. $734.00 later, I got my car back.

It looked like my problem was solved, with the lean burn on banks one and two. No codes, pending or otherwise. After my road trip, to see if the check engine light would reappear, I filled the car up with gas, about a mile from my house.

While pulling into the garage, There was a loud WOOF from the trunk, and the whole passenger compartment filled with smoke. I saw flames coming up from the vents under the back window, and backed the car out of the garage, into the alley. I didn't even have the presence of mind to take my keys.

My baby burned to the ground. The 911 phone rang for over 20 times, and it took the fire department almost 15 minutes to get there, and they are less than a mile from my house. I know I am going to somehow get screwed even more than I am........Thanks for all your help everyone.........Mike

 

OMG! Hope you are OK. What do you think was the cause?

Gus
www.jagrepair.com

 

There are no words to express what you must be going through, I cannot imagine this happening to my car. My most Sincere Apologies on your loss, I do not think I would be able to eat for days; Thank God no one was hurt, physically. I hope you are able to get everything you are entitled to and more from the Shop, should they be at fault. Is it too early to tell if it is a total loss, or if it can be re-fitted?; as the saying goes, Cats have nine lives.

 

So soory for the loss of a real beauty. I hope your insurance will cover the cost of repair or replacing her.
Good luck going forward and I'm glad you or no one else was physically hurt.

 

Mike, that's a tough blow after all you have been through with your XK8.

So sorry.....

 

Very sad, glad no one was hurt and you had the brains to get it out of your garage and save that. Best of luck with the insurance.

 

After a fire, I'm sure it will be hard to trace where the fire started, but from your note above, the shop that did the work would be a starting point. You said, they told you the tank had a hole in it that was cut there and leaded over....what did they do about that would be a good question. Did they attempt a repair or what. After filling the tank, it is most likely that fuel overflowed from that spot and hit the exhaust and ignited. If it never overflowed before, it's likely if they attempted a repair, it was a failure.
If they don't know about the fire as of yet, I would question them on what action they took when they found the hole, before I mentioned the fire.
Sorry for your loss and glad you were able to get it out of the garage, or things could have been even worse.

Peace.........

 

Wow...just wow. What a shame.

 

Mike, it almost brought me to tears to hear what happened. It sounds like you just about had all your problems solved and this happens. To say I'm sorry just doesn't seem to be enough.
I know we are miles apart but if there is anything I can do to help let me know.

 

wow I am so sorry.. glad you got out or was able to but holy cow.. :O very sorry.

 

As a brand new member, I don't feel worthy to comment on such a personal catastrophe, but know that you are in my prayers.

 

Sorry for the loss of your vehicle, and glad you're OK.

But I met applaud you driving a burning car of your garage and into a safer place.
God only knows the catastrophe you truly avoided.

 

Oh no!!! Glad you are ok - what a shame - very sorry!!!!!

 

I'll echo the fact that backing your car out of your garage was a great move on your part. Stay on top of your insurance company throughout the process and keep in mind that no one was injured and after all, it is just a car....

 

Just wow...I'm glad you were able to get it out of the garage and not get physically hurt. I am guessing like what someone else already mentioned the shop didn't get something sealed properly and when you gassed it up it leaked and got on the exhaust. So sad to see a beautiful car destroyed like that. More importantly nobody got injured. I hope you don't get a hard time from the shop and your insurance company.

Dave

 

Wow. To say that sucks is an extreme understatement. Glad you escaped unharmed.

Very fortunate that you were not driving down the road when it went up in flames.

 

Glad you are ok,but wow I don't know what to say. This is horrible and I can't imagine what you are feeling, I am sorry.

On a selfish note, I hope you can rebuild her. You add a lot around here.

John

 

From the instant you smelled smoke your situation could have ended in so many very bad ways. You're lucky. I don't know about what, but you're lucky.
That must've been horrifying. I'm sorry to read about it.

Jip

 

+1 on all the previous comments - so very sorry.

 

Mike,
Truly gutted for you. So sad: I think we all know what she means to you.

Thank goodness you're unhurt and your prompt actions saved further property damage, although I guess that will feel like small consolation at the moment.

I wish you the very best of luck in your dealings with the shop & insurance.
I'm sure you'll be back fighting.

Best regards,
Mike