I'm Back. Sort of... Sob story included. & Words of Wisdom

[Nelsonmd]

Well thanks for all the responses guys. I didn't mean to come off harsh or anything lol Nelson.. I realized I didn't fully explain what led to the fire. Yeah, it's pretty awful losing your vehicle in such a way, at least I can know that I'm making an example of myself if I can make one person change their mind that's what matters. Also yes, I am very lucky I got away unscathed. I tried everything I could to put this fire out (even resorted to filling up my clothes with mud and throwing it at the flames, on a 40 degree December night), but as soon as I saw the flames spread I had to get out of there and just let nature take its course on the poor thing...

I have been jobless and carless since this event (THANKS to this event as well), but soon I will have my certification to become a sales representative at a dealership in the area. The DC auto show is coming to town within the next week or so, so I'll be having a look around there for new car ideas. Right now I'm leaning towards an STi or an E39 M5, and down the road I'll be in search of another 4Runner and treat it to everything and more than what my old rig had. RIP baby...

No offense taken, just curious exactly what it takes to set one of these things on fire.

For jobless/carless you sure have some specific tastes, I would be going for a bland DD that will go easy on the gas and insurance. But who really wants to do that anyway? I'm sure that with all the friends you have made here, someone could find you an amazing deal on one.

 

[KellyJ]

No offense taken, just curious exactly what it takes to set one of these things on fire.

For jobless/carless you sure have some specific tastes, I would be going for a bland DD that will go easy on the gas and insurance. But who really wants to do that anyway? I'm sure that with all the friends you have made here, someone could find you an amazing deal on one.

Fortunately I am qualified for another insurance carrier, and I have made a few friends in the automobile industry since last frequenting this site, (auction company owners, used car dealer owners, etc) so imagine paying 50% of what a normal used car dealer or private owner would sell their car at, and that's what I'll be paying for whatever my next project/dd will be.

About the fire, I'd absolutely LOVE to know what caused it, because I was not abusing the transmission at all during the period before it went up in flames. Honest to God, didn't have the RPM's past 3k and was about to pack it up and call for a tow when my friend spotted the flames from outside the truck.

 

[LittleCaesar]

My friend's wife blew a hole in her 08 RDX block on the passenger side right before Xmas. It has come to Honda's attention (I guess not in the R&D stage) that the material used in casting the block when under stress and high temps cracks something serious. I know Honda was looking to possibly add an external oil cooler. They gave her a new engine and before she got off the lot, she traded the RDX in on a MDX.

I would go for the Subie personally, but if you are not a diehard DIY mechanic, get the M5 and pay someone else to fine tune it.

 

[KellyJ]

My friend's wife blew a hole in her 08 RDX block on the passenger side right before Xmas. It has come to Honda's attention (I guess not in the R&D stage) that the material used in casting the block when under stress and high temps cracks something serious. I know Honda was looking to possibly add an external oil cooler. They gave her a new engine and before she got off the lot, she traded the RDX in on a MDX.

I would go for the Subie personally, but if you are not a diehard DIY mechanic, get the M5 and pay someone else to fine tune it.

Hmm this is the first I've heard of block issues with the RDX, thanks for the tip, I can't imagine losing another car already. My '07 has roughly 36k on it now, and I take it to the Acura dealership every 2500 miles for a full "A" service every time.

 

[Big John]

The thought of the ARB in a crusher makes me sick.

I thought that was the highlight of the story:toilet:

 

[KellyJ]

The thought of the ARB in a crusher makes me sick. I am sure it makes you vomit. At least you can out unscathed, for the most part.

Yep. I try not to think about it. The thought of the sliders and Light Racing UCA's being pulverized really makes me cringe. :/

 

[awdjunkies]

Thanks I'll keep that in mind. Yeah older BMW's have better reliability when it comes to motors, but I've had a hankering for the E39 M5 since I totaled my first one when I was 18 (yes, yes, I was spoiled then and am FAR from that now.) 5 years will bring you a lot of wisdom. I want to get back into German automobiles, but depending on insurance quotes, etc, I may be sticking with Japan and going 05-07 STi.

Sir, I must say, Wise choice!!! GD and 5x114 :naughty: vs the 04's 5x100(Which is what I used to have). I don't want to cloud your thread here but I have some info./Questions regarding your Subie which I will take to PM.


PS: Glad you are back and were able to not get hurt in the fire. :bigok:

 

[t4r4life]

ATF is more flammable than gasoline, a lotta people dont know that. if you have a leak and there was a lil spark somewhere it could very easily catch on fire, only way to put it out is to drive it into a mud/water hole and sink it.

 

[combatmedic]

Hmm this is the first I've heard of block issues with the RDX, thanks for the tip, I can't imagine losing another car already. My '07 has roughly 36k on it now, and I take it to the Acura dealership every 2500 miles for a full "A" service every time.

Yeah, we have an 07 w/ 140k runs like a champ. (wife is a traveling veterinarian)

 

[steezemcqueen]

ATF is more flammable than gasoline, a lotta people dont know that. if you have a leak and there was a lil spark somewhere it could very easily catch on fire, only way to put it out is to drive it into a mud/water hole and sink it.

Flammable? yes. More than gasoline? incorrect.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I remember seeing this pic on Facebook a little while ago. I bought a fire extinguisher right after.

Sorry, dude.

 

[KellyJ]

I remember seeing this pic on Facebook a little while ago. I bought a fire extinguisher right after.

Sorry, dude.

:moping:

 

[Nelsonmd]

My friend's wife blew a hole in her 08 RDX block on the passenger side right before Xmas. It has come to Honda's attention (I guess not in the R&D stage) that the material used in casting the block when under stress and high temps cracks something serious. I know Honda was looking to possibly add an external oil cooler. They gave her a new engine and before she got off the lot, she traded the RDX in on a MDX.

I would go for the Subie personally, but if you are not a diehard DIY mechanic, get the M5 and pay someone else to fine tune it.

I think Honda has some engine block design issues... My buddy picked me up from the airport once, I had just taken the long road back from a business trip in Thailand, and on our way home, I hear a snap and grinding and his civic starts acting funny. Next thing we know, it just stops in the middle of 3 lanes, and we spent an hour standing out in the rain waiting for the tow. He took it to the dealer, they said cracked engine block, and had it replaced under warranty in a day. It sounds like they did alot of those...

 

[LittleCaesar]

It was a production of short blocks from 08-09 i think; my friends were loosing coolant at the same time. With that new of a car they did not think to check it frequently.

Their mechanic said the RDX motor, built in OH and is unique only to the RDX, generates lots of heat being an inline 4 turbo engine. He told them if the engine within the bad casing date range gets past 50k I think, they should be fine but should run a good synthetic oil (Redline comes to mind here) for longevity.

I do like the RDX regardless. I am a little jealous for I wish the 4runner had that kind of pep to it. It would make DC traffic bearable.

 

[KellyJ]

It was a production of short blocks from 08-09 i think; my friends were loosing coolant at the same time. With that new of a car they did not think to check it frequently.

Their mechanic said the RDX motor, built in OH and is unique only to the RDX, generates lots of heat being an inline 4 turbo engine. He told them if the engine within the bad casing date range gets past 50k I think, they should be fine but should run a good synthetic oil (Redline comes to mind here) for longevity.

I do like the RDX regardless. I am a little jealous for I wish the 4runner had that kind of pep to it. It would make DC traffic bearable.

The RDX really does scoot for a compact SUV. I have the Hondata flash installed as well as stiffer anti-roll bars from Mugen, and it hauls some serious a$$. And when you go easy on it, I see 24-26 MPG. Too bad its 4-cyl needs premium but I guess that comes with the territory of the turbo.

 

[Hepar]

Dang. Crazy. Real sorry to hear. Glad you're ok. That must have been rough to see it go up in flames and not be able to do anything about it.

 

[McFly2003]

Holy **** Kelly! I was wondering where you'd disappeared to. I can't tell you how sorry I am for the loss. I was actually about to text you about a day wheeling trip with some fj80 buddies of mine. You're still always welcome to tag along as a passenger/hit some trails in my rig. As for what's next, I will always have a huge soft spot for the subi's. I ran then for years before my t4r so if you need any help with one, let me know! If you really want a euro, maybe look into a new(er) TDi? After I get back from basic in july, I am thinking about getting a new golf TDi as DD. Maybe hook it up with the GTI body treatment.

Again, I am sorry about the truck, I know you had just put so much time and dough into it. At least you're ok

 

[Qyota]

Sorry for your loss, Kelly. That really sucks. I'm glad insurance came through for you...and trucks can be replaced. Still sad, though...especially since you were trying to help a friend. I bet he feels bad too!

Anyway, welcome back to T4R!