5610s Fire, any suggestions

[rwk5412]

We have a 2003 5610s with about 1500 hours on it and it has been very well maintained. It was involved in a fire yesterday but I don't think it was THAT bad. Basically, the everything forward of the radiator was damaged, the battery melted, the wiring is shot, and most of the other damage is on the "driver" side, paint, alternator, hydraulic cylinder seals blown.

Most of if not all of the hoses on the engine are still intact and all of the parts on the right side of the engine seem to be ok (other than wiring and battery). So, I assume in these cases you basically just replace all the parts and assume they were damaged by the heat, but what about the motor? The fire really wasn't that bad and it was mostly on the nose of the tractor, didn't even melt the radiator.

I will see if I can post some pictures in here when I get them off the camera.

 

[Gary Sweat]

We have a 2003 5610s with about 1500 hours on it and it has been very well maintained. It was involved in a fire yesterday but I don't think it was THAT bad. Basically, the everything forward of the radiator was damaged, the battery melted, the wiring is shot, and most of the other damage is on the "driver" side, paint, alternator, hydraulic cylinder seals blown.

Most of if not all of the hoses on the engine are still intact and all of the parts on the right side of the engine seem to be ok (other than wiring and battery). So, I assume in these cases you basically just replace all the parts and assume they were damaged by the heat, but what about the motor? The fire really wasn't that bad and it was mostly on the nose of the tractor, didn't even melt the radiator.

I will see if I can post some pictures in here when I get them off the camera.

I doubt it got hot enough to do any damage to the engine. When you get it back together, check for leaks on the gaskets at the valve cover, water pump, etc. Sometimes enough heat can blister them if there the rubber type. Also, check the air filter for heat damage. Otherwise, it sounds like just a remove and repair what got burned.

 

[rwk5412]

I doubt it got hot enough to do any damage to the engine. When you get it back together, check for leaks on the gaskets at the valve cover, water pump, etc. Sometimes enough heat can blister them if there the rubber type. Also, check the air filter for heat damage. Otherwise, it sounds like just a remove and repair what got burned.

The air filter is on the nose of the tractor under a fiberglass flip up hood (which was mostly burned up).

The one thing I could think of being a problem is the Fire Dept did come in to help put out the fire and they spray the tractor down a little, so I am hoping none of the spray got into the engine of the tractor through the breather.

 

[Gary Sweat]

The air filter is on the nose of the tractor under a fiberglass flip up hood (which was mostly burned up).

The one thing I could think of being a problem is the Fire Dept did come in to help put out the fire and they spray the tractor down a little, so I am hoping none of the spray got into the engine of the tractor through the breather.

When you get all of the pieces off the intake, look it over to see if it looks like water got inside the intake. Probably not and if a little spray got in, it will likely evaporate by the time you get around to firing it back up. If it has a compression release, operate it for a few revolutions to get out any moisture. If not, the only way to be sure would be to pull the injectors and crank it. That's something you will just have to make a decision on by the way it looks.

 

[Soundguy]

can't remember if the 5610s has a turbo.. but if it did.. check it out.. otherwise if rad and rad hose did not melt.. I thinkt the engine is fine.. and ip is on the right side so that is good.

I'd repalce anything visibly warped / damaged, melted or leaking.

soundguy

 

[rwk5412]

can't remember if the 5610s has a turbo.. but if it did.. check it out.. otherwise if rad and rad hose did not melt.. I thinkt the engine is fine.. and ip is on the right side so that is good.

I'd repalce anything visibly warped / damaged, melted or leaking.

soundguy

Nope, no turbo. It happened on Sunday, and I am going back to the ranch this Saturday to get it out of the field. Until then, the tractor will be tarped in case of rain. Once I get it out of the field, I will start to remove the damaged parts and inspect the wiring (which is shot).

I will also take some detailed pictures and post them for everyone to see.

Any other suggestions?

 

[nuffer460]

It sounds like a replace the obvious damage and fire it up. If all the fluids are still up it wasn't hurt. It might be a good idea how ever to do a complete oil change, oil filter, and fuel filter.

 

[rwk5412]

It sounds like a replace the obvious damage and fire it up. If all the fluids are still up it wasn't hurt. It might be a good idea how ever to do a complete oil change, oil filter, and fuel filter.

Quick question, any idea where I can find repair manuals that have engine and wiring info in them? Most of the wiring harness was melted when the battery caught on fire.

Here are the images I have.

And then some shots of the burned area.... :mur:

I know the photos aren't the best, but I just can't imagine it got hot enough to do major internal damage. Most of the fire was up high or on the tires (which is where all the black stuff came from). The other part of the fire was IN FRONT of the radiator.

So, thoughts?

 

[Soundguy]

too bad you didn't have a fire extinguisher on the rops. I always carry one for just such an emergency..

good luck with it.

soundguy

 

[woodlandfarms]

Was the engine running when the fire started? And if so, how long after the fire started did the engine get shut off?

I only ask as to a few things... One is sucking in junk into the engine, the other is sucking in water to the engine. Finally did the radiator spew its contents and the engine not get proper cooling while running?

As a side note I would drain all the fluids (Diesel and all oils) and replace. Fire hoses dump a lot of water quickly.

It should be insured, though, right?

Carl

 

[Soundguy]

another question. what started the fire? the battery? if so.. I'd look the alternator over.. especially since it was right up ther ein the fire area.. I iamagine it is toast if the battery died, plus it was in the area that burned..

soundguy

 

[radman1]

The pictures look worse than you describe. Don't know if it is worth repairing even if you did the work yourself. Once you start to calculate the parts, paint, warped metal ect, the price is going to shock you. If a dealer fixes it, the cost will far exceed the tractor value. The cylinders on the loader may also be toast. (No pun intended.) Salvage the tractor? Maybe best to find a replacement and save the FEL. I assume it is not insured since you are considering fixing it. If it was insured, the company will probably not fix it but instead just pay off the value.

 

[Soundguy]

a salvage tractor is what I'd be looking for.. grab the entire front clip ( with air cleaner stuff ) and hood, alternator.. new rim.. at least 1, maybee even the hub..

the rest will be rubber and hoses and wires.

need new bearings at least on one side for the hub.. etc.

power steering cyl on the bottom right might not be happy either.... got to check that and the laoder cyls as mentioned.

soundguy

 

[redneckford]

that looks to me like it is a salvage tractor now i have seen them with less fire damage sold for salvage u are looking at probably 6 or 7 k to fix that tractor right and then u will always be able to tell it was burn which will hurt the resale value on that tractor alot

 

[Soundguy]

that looks to me like it is a salvage tractor now i have seen them with less fire damage sold for salvage u are looking at probably 6 or 7 k to fix that tractor right and then u will always be able to tell it was burn which will hurt the resale value on that tractor alot

if he can find one with rear damage or a blown engine and buy the front he will be much better off.

 

[redneckford]

if the used salvage parts will still run around 2500 dollars plus they will have to buy a new 1000 dollar wiring harness and a new altenator. in my opinion that tractor is worth more for salvage than u will get with it fixed. if it was mine i would be trying to sell it.

 

[Soundguy]

if the used salvage parts will still run around 2500 dollars plus they will have to buy a new 1000 dollar wiring harness and a new altenator. in my opinion that tractor is worth more for salvage than u will get with it fixed. if it was mine i would be trying to sell it.

hopefully the alt could be grabbed from the salvage unit. if so that will save a few bills.

the fiberglass and rubber stuff is all a cash loss. if it were mine, I'd pull the hood and I'm pretty sure sweat equity and primer and paint would save it even if it was not perfect.

rim, bearings, and hoses and belts and that wire harness will all be cash losses.

I imaging unless he gets lucky and picks up a salvage unit he can completely strip for all partsz.. he will be in this for 4 grand plus alot of his own time and sweat... and that's not even counting and damage to the loader.. if any...

soundguy

 

[sweet farms]

Had very similar thing happen to me last winter on a 4000. I would guesstimate around $2,500 + for repair parts and you do all labor. I would strip the tractor down and replaced everything that even looked in the least way suspect. If you don't, you will spend the next year repairing each problem that may come up and it will not be at the most convenient time. Stay away from the dealer as much as you can and rely on good after market parts when available that will save you a bundle. (A. & I. is a good resource for after market parts)
Kevin