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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: Capital City 85 on March 25, 2012, 04:45:43 pm

Title: Fire damage
Post by: Capital City 85 on March 25, 2012, 04:45:43 pm

This is my first time posting, but I have been looking at the site for quite some time now and it's been a big help.  I have a 1985 GMC Sierra Classic 4X4 with a 350 and four speed.  I've done most of the work myself besides installation of a new steering box.  Today I replaced my thermostat and went to start it up and poof fire underneath the hood.  Not having a fire extinguisher handy I resorted to using my garden hose, big no no I know, but it's all I had.  Well after the fire was put out I discovered the culprit was my fuel inlet hose to my carb had come undone.  The fire only lasted 10 seconds tops, but it was enought to melt some wires.  My question is would it be better to cut out the melted portions of wire and splice in new?  Or just have the entire or portions of the  truck re-wired?  I have very limited knowledge of vehicle electircal systems.  I can post pictures of the damage if needed.  Thanks. 

Title: Re: Fire damage
Post by: zieg85 on March 25, 2012, 04:50:18 pm

You probably are OK by splicing but solder and use shrink wrap to keep out corrosion.  Make sure to use the same gauge wire.  Glad it was only a 10 second fire.  Welcome for NW Indiana

Title: Re: Fire damage
Post by: bake74 on March 26, 2012, 06:08:16 am

     Welcome from California.  If it was contained to the engine bay only, you might get by with getting a wiring harness just for the engine bay and then splicing the needed wiring for the rear, that way the you don't have to splice into the block that goes through the firewall.  It will look cleaner and less of a headache, just my opinion.
     Introduce yourself in the general section under members so everyone can say hello.

Title: Re: Fire damage
Post by: Irish_Alley on March 26, 2012, 06:32:37 am

since the fire was started by fuel and not a electrical problem to me money aint cheap neither is a wire harness. you will be ok with just splicing and shrink wrap. unless your wallet cares about looks. i know mine doesnt and you can put wire loom on it to cover it all up.

Title: Re: Fire damage
Post by: Capital City 85 on March 26, 2012, 08:33:44 am

Thanks for the input, I have a buddy with a soldering gun and I'm gonna go buy new wire and shrink wrap and start the process of replacing what was damaged.