OK, this is the story. I'm on the highway, the engine is running rough, backfires several times, then a loud bang....engine barely running, I get off the nearest exit, pull into parking lot and there's a fire under my car. I got a fire extinguisher, but it took a few minutes and I got the fire out before the whole car was engulfed. Heat was enough that it lightly melted a foot square spot on the underneath of the rear seat. Apparently, the muffler filled with gas and it exploded....split at the seam. I'll try to post pictures later.

Took to a shop, they say all the seals and bearings in the rear are damaged, and it's going to cost more than the car is worth to fix it. And that's without determining what caused the fire in the first place. So now the car sits in my backyard. The fuel line burnt in half, but the fuel pump still works. So my first step is to see if I can repair the fuel line and start the car.

I was told it will probably be easier to replace the rear than repair. I'm not sure if a novice backyard mechanic like myself can do this. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Scott

 

Do you have something else to drive in the meantime? If you're somewhat familiar with this kind of stuff I'd say do it yourself because bringing it to the shop would ultimatly cost WAY more than the car is worth and in the end probably more than what you could sell it for after it's fixed. Depending on how bad it is...maybe just get a new car? (it hurts me to say such aweful things....i could never do that to my 240 wagon)

 

Yes, I currently have two other Volvos. I just finished replacing the CV boots on my 850 which is the most involved repair I've ever attempted. Got lots of help here at the boards from a poster named Tech.

I luv my 240 wagon which is why I'm looking into this repair. Plus I may be able to pick up a used rear at the junkyard for a little as $60.

 

In that case, i'd definatly take the time to do it my self. Throw the car on some blocks and start repairing/rplacing when it becomes convienient. I shudder to think what the labor costs would tally up to be on something like that.

 

Can someone direct me to a good link on repairing or replacing the rear axle ? Will I need any special tools?

Would I be better off repairing (136k miles on old one) or going to the junkyard and getting a whole axle.

Pic of exploded muffler as promised....



[IMG]local://upfiles/5888/001934717AF64AFE96A791FD22EC0862.jpg[/IMG]

 

Ok, this is what I'm looking at...4 lines running next to the fuel pump. The one closest to the drivers connects into the rear axle about 10 inches from the differential, it's missing a couple feet.

Another fat seperate line that runs to the same place on the rear axle is damaged and needs replacing, it's a short one?

Fuel line has about 2 feet damaged near the pump.

 

I've temp repaired the fuel line. I cranked it several times, but it didn't start. Don't want to wear the battery out..... am I supposed to prime this thing somehow?