Fire Damage on our Race Car! Will our Engine Run After Going Up in Flames?

[@oldschoolhoosier]

Gentlemen, Shutting the engine down as fast as you did saved your engine from sending everything through the intake values into the engine. Also Check your oil pan for any debris. You could also pull the plugs and scope the cylinder walls for any debris scratches as an added precaution but I really think you guys got very lucky. Thanks for sharing.

[@CORNDODGER]

The Number one reason for FILTERS that shit got chewed up and spit out

[@michaelmoreland4829]

Not sure they can pull the pan, i think the crate motors have break off bolts or some sort of secondary seal that can’t be taken off, and would have to be resealed to be technically legal

[@racer434443]

I agree with you old school

[@curtisrobinson8272]

i will be look today

[@CORNDODGER]

@B DOT Strain the oil thru a Black tee shirt it will tell the tell

[@MosinMan76254]

Don't ignore Cameron's suggestion about drawing a line once connections have been secured and tightened. My Dad did that back in the 60's and it saved his bacon many times. Good luck!

[@christopherbaker4217]

We also wired critical fittings!

[@stevenmorrison4692]

Just because the lines line up doesn't mean it still hasn't come loose but it looks like it's tight.

[@leonhaskins282]

True but they should concentrate on routine maintenance instead of replacing body skins all the time. A good maintenance routine would have prevented the fire.

[@DannyWalker247]

They need somebody who is not involved in the video entertainment to be constantly checking the critical components on that race car. And they have to know the rules. When you start running up front they will be looking to nail you on something every time out.

[@matchthat5053]

Good idea , aircraft maintenance we do that when we can't safety wire.

[@danielweiss144]

I think your plan with expecting top motor parts is the right path. And now you guys are a serious force to be reckon with I would read ALL the tracks rules. You guys are Great to watch. Keep the Faith.

[@tbone67gthenderson78]

Glad you’re ok Joseph! Also glad there was no more damage than that hopefully the engine will be fine. 👍🏻😎

[@bethmikels3613]

As a dirt track late model engine builder (never bought engines always built our own from scratch) with many years experience myself and plus my Dad's 34 plus years of dirt track engine building experience (I learned from him) and his many track championships (over 25) I would just clean it up and run it. Your engine was shutdown and the throttle plates closed before the fire got hot enough to destroy the wire mesh cage of the air filter and before any fire extinguishers were used. Checking with the bore scope you didn't find any traces of debris in the intake system. Joseph did the best possible thing by immediately stopping and shutting down the engine. The throttle plates being closed saved your engine from damage. We had something very similar to your fire incident happen once because of a cracked steel fuel inlet line fitting at the carb (dad's car). BTW, he won that feature and it caught fire while he was pulling up on the scales. I was driving the second car behind him in line for the scale and saw the fire erupt underneath the deck. His car was completely engulfed in flames in less than 1 second. He was fine thanks to his top of the line Simpson fire suit and helmet. We never used any steel fuel line components anywhere in the fuel system again. Always used SS braided lines and AN fittings or brass fittings in the entire fuel system after that. Back then (early 1980s) we ran high pressure pumps (30 - 40 psi) and always mounted the regulator on a steel (not aluminum) bracket on the intake to prevent just what happened to you guys. The modern fuel pumps are much better now than what we ran back then. You guys got very lucky and I'm sure learned a valuable lesson. That's the way it is in racing, we learn from our mistakes. BTW, I really enjoy following your racing experiences in my retirement. I'm always checking for the next video. Hope to meet you guys someday!!

[@michaelburns566]

Looks as though Joseph shut the engine down in time to save it, I feel like after y’all inspected the top end and it was clean the engine will be fine! Definitely gotta mount that fuel pressure regulator or go with one like what’s on the super!

[@clemzahrobsky2137]

you should perform an engine "leak down test" to see if there any damage to the valves or pistons. i am a retired race engine builder and i did this every time the was a question to make sure there is no internal damage.

[@wayneguess7946]

Agree, leak down, would be time well spent!

[@brianwalker1933]

Back in my early days of racing (late 60’s) this was one of the most important pre-race checks that l done and that was checking that “all fuel fittings”were tight! The marking of all fittings with a line drawn across them made a visual inspection quick and easy. This is something you need to include in your pre-race inspection list. I was greatly relieved that no harm came to Joseph...You guys rock. 😊👍👍🇦🇺🦘🦘

[@arthurwiebe7401]

Good to see you guys being cautious on checking that motor.

[@Ezisnotaman]

Big sigh of relief, when they pulled out the bore scope!

[@PeteR-ed9nd]

Butterflies closing quickly saved you a ton of headaches. Watching you guys react to this hurdle shows what a good group you are. Revamp, reload, lets go racing.

[@johndennis879]

As a former street stock racer here in MIchigan I know first hand how frustrating things can get owning n working on your race cars BUT I love your attitudes about how you deal with things when they go bad. It's a great inspiration to up n coming young drivers that will make them better because of better attitudes

[@carllollar673]

You did everything correctly. Cleaned up externally, pulled carburetor without opening butterflies, check runners in intake with a scope. Suggestion, change wires, check CAP and rotor, get that regulator supported, small flat piece of aluminum bolted from the regulator to some area just to add a support so it won't vibrate and work loose. You guys should be OK.🏁

[@jeremywebb4078]

Hey guys I have been watching htf daily for about 8 months. I am absolutely impressed with your work. My brother and I raced for 20+ years all of which were on dirt. You have built a awesome team. You have done so with class and respect from the beginning. I applaud you guys for the way you treat each other and other racers. You have shown that your experience and knowledge around your cars is the product of hands on learning. If I were to have any advice for you it would be keep doing what you are doing. As far as the fire under the hood, don't let it take the fire out of your enthusiasm for winning. You have a great operation and a great group of people around you. I am going to be a fan of htf for a long time. Thank you for your time Jeremy Webb

[@jonfoskey6640]

This man really put a commercial right after he said “y’all watch a commercial or something”😂

[@jamesmelton37KS]

Exactly 😂😂

[@rodconner9079]

Glad to see that guys.Seems the carb turned out to be the "catch all". Bore scope was the right call - showing no debris on top of the valve (yer not gonna see the piston! just sayin'! - not from there unless the valve is gone!). Didn't see any debris fly out of the cylinders on the "spin", could have used the bore scope for that too once the plugs were out. Yes, do make a mount/bracket off the front of the head or valve cover bolt to help hold that up ... might change that 30/45 degree fitting to a 90 --- mount it like the super or move it to the end of the fuel log. (I've always mounted at the rear of the log, using a bypass back to the tank). Think that motor is fine!!! Precautions were taken, yer good. Replacing wires and hoses with heat damage would be smart though. That carb -- send off for cleaning and rebuild .... good to go!!! Really, what a relief!!!! Be Safe #HTFNation #DirtOnTwitch Edit* If there is a concern of contamination ... change the oil and filter! Not telling ya what to do at all --- just giving my thought (since ya asked for it :)

[@robertmeriwether7725]

Big Relief on how clean it was in the middle.

[@joshthornton2095]

Great job JoJo on shutting the motor down quickly. You the man.

[@johnmcmillendarkside6motor73]

Glad there’s no damage to the motor and glad Joseph is ok good bless y’all

[@jayaudette2063]

I think by the immaculate look of the intake and runners, the screen melted after the engine was shut down and Joseph's foot was off the accelerator. The pressure from the extinguisher probably tore the screen up after throttle plates closed. You're good.

[@NORM8010]

i hope you the best of luck.

[@bodine4479]

HIGH HOPE FOR HTF FAMILY!!! LOVE YALL GUYS !!!

[@walkredroad]

I would take that fire as a warning as to what can happen and get a working fire suppression system in all three cars!!!

[@bryanslittlegarage5724]

I think you guys got lucky. From the video he had the motor shut off before the cage burnt up. Glad Joseph is ok and the baby is beautiful ❤️.

[@chico29c]

Not to call Jesse out but if he seen a piston with the bore scope the motor must have a intake valve missing or have a dropped valve. I dont think the valve will open far enough to get the bore scope through it. Anyway keep up the good work and stay safe. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@bfjou812]

Good to see the motor is good. I think I would have pulled the plugs and run the bore scope into the cylinders and done both a compression and leak down test. Definitely mount the regulator to the chassis or the block. I would change that on all 3 cars. Also one thing no one has mentioned , fire suppression? we used to have a weekly checklist that we used , it helped a lot. Again , glad the damage was minimal and most importantly , Joseph was able to get out without getting injured. .

[@54raceman]

The problem ain’t the regulator it’s there complete lack of a maintenance program

[@michaeleverhart9557]

OK so I have to admit I’ve never watched much dirt racing. But I’ve learned so much in the past year and a half watching you guys. And reading all of the comments. Now I am a NASCAR as well as dirt car fan !!! GO HTF!!!

[@jeremiah9972]

Love the videos and watching you guys makes me want to get into dirt racing!

[@tfatcher]

I find it fascinating seeing what it takes behind the scenes to keep a race car on the track. Thanks for sharing.

[@deancompton7211]

For the regulator I would try to use a piece of 1” flat bar to go from the front of the block to the regulator make a stand for it if you have a spare bolt hole in the front of the block.

[@regdor8187]

That bar will be a tuning fork,triangulate the bracket and best to have very little weight hanging off those fuel bowls and flex line from regulator to carb..

[@jeffyoung2089]

Thanks guys!

[@chaddailey3131]

Sounds good to me and looked good in the intake too

[@chriscannon5330]

Its great to see the motor is good to go so glad it was not as bad as it could have been keep digging guys HTF NATION

[@TheSwackster]

The intake looks great down in there. I believe you are good to go. You could use the bore scope to look at cylinder walls just to be safe

[@jeremycolston8383]

Glad everyone was ok, and there wasn’t more damage to the car. Looks promising. Maybe change the oil filter before you run it anywhere. Good luck with it guys

[@kenharmon4929]

Run it. Of all the weird things to happen between short shocks and low decks now fire crazy

[@bodine4479]

I love how yall are such great people each other

[@kellydugan9543]

Shop vac and a Telescoping magnet !!! Parker pumper and a tall Iced Tea,ready to Ready to rock!

[@Barry_Harberson]

Good video Gentlemen. Glad it is not as bad as previously thought. 🤗🤗

[@johndennis879]

Glad things looked good with that motor and hope your track test with it goes good also

[@inkscars6380]

Man that’s Fing great news!!!

[@captainwhiplash]

I’ve been shrimping for 34 years and 30 of those as captain and Dawn is my number one go to period

[@davidtowns7363]

I did want to add one thing it wouldn't have been a bad idea to put a vacuum in it a Shop-Vac would have picked up anything that was left laying down in there just a thought hopefully you never have to do it again. Glad you're safe have a great night

[@H3110NU]

I was thinking the same thing. But it worked out without it so I guess it wasn’t completely needed.

[@davidtowns7363]

@@H3110NUyeah they were lucky I didn't think it was going to hurt the engine cuz it shut down very quickly it's a good thing it was at a caution. But yeah I've had it happen to one of the cars we ran and had to vacuum some stuff out of the intake pulling the engine appreciate you reading my comment you have a great day

[@stephenpierce4804]

Looks good boys she'll be fine KEEP DIGGING HTF

[@shawntaylor4415]

I'm just a modified racer,travel to big shows only.nothing wrong with the motor,if it was me I'd run it he saved it quick and I have 25 k in mine.but get a damn magnetic,only takes one please piece of metal. Thanks for the video guys I enjoy watching y'all we're headed to Missouri this weekend good luck to you guys also

[@ryanu3708]

Prayers and Blessings guys.

[@1jeffscap]

You were very lucky !!! That motor sounds good!!!!!!

[@aaronhacecky8323]

Jesse your intros have gotten so much better since the last time you took over.

[@naomilane627]

It's better to be safe than to be sorry!

[@susanlorden9526]

Have a look with the scope through the spark plug holes. Lift the intake manifold for a closer look. It’s only a gasket replacement. Jim

[@wileyphillips7884]

I probably would have pulled the plugs and scoped the cylinder after looking in the intake! That would have assured no metal. Did forget Cameron on marking the nuts to make sure it has not moved. Will make your visual checks for the week easy!

[@dperry203]

I started watching half way through the video and though this was a colonoscopy!😂😂😂

[@dirtracer9193]

Hey, if it makes the car faster or turn better 😂😂😂

[@JamesDedmon]

As long as nothing fell into the engine you should be ok. I’d definitely replace the plug wires, cap, and rotor

[@bige1108]

Shutting it down fast saved it and from what I seen that engine is fine he shut it off before melted stuff could fall down through the intake good job guys glad it went well for you

[@neilgrinder5633]

I bet your neighbors love you guys glad to see the motor is not gone

[@mikepriceup]

I think we dodged a bullet right there. God bless HTF #10 #56 HTF#1

[@TheRouschmustang]

Joesph says - need a 10mm Words from every mechanic. Most famous socket 10mm who would have thought. Good luck guys on upcoming races.

[@Retired70]

Stick the scope into the spark plug hoses , inspect the top of the pistons, if any debris went thru it would most likely scar the piston tops or score the cylinder walls. If no damage , clean her up ,change the oil , makes some laps.. then if you don’t feel right about it, pull the engine , refreshing it will give you peace of mind.

[@mikesproles7045]

Most important is Joseph is ok, and secondly the motor looks and sounds to be in good shape as well.

[@ldsdudeinca]

I am a blown alcohol mud racer, and wear a full face helmet with glasses at times. I've used Jeweler's Polish on my glasses, and it keeps me from having foggy glasses.

[@mattpridgenracing9709]

Y’all should look into a quick disconnect throttle rod by Krc I believe I can’t remember the name but makes it easier

[@vincentwallace770]

Krc 1040 is the part number. Have been using them for a long time.

[@Hallyburtonracing]

@@vincentwallace770 me as well. highly recommend

[@BigHoss33]

Joseph had that thing maxed out. He was hooked up and comin! Idk if it helps, sparks were flying out the back for a few laps going into 1. May of just been bottoming out but it only did it for those few laps.

[@cojotvlive4870]

just glad the driver was safe! car is replaceable driver isnt! but for what we all saw sounds normal! hope things look up so you can go test it!

[@patwatson7543]

A little truck I've learned over the years when I have carb fires I keep a telescope magnet,pull the carb and stick that thing anywhere it will go checking for metal

[@davemoulding8799]

That’s why I run an on board firer system , thing about it saves lives

[@stevenmartin3308]

I think the motor is alright but try building a mount the can hook onto the coolant hose!!!! If there was any metal in the engine you would have seen it with the scope! Same thing happened to my friends 410sprintcar engine it caught fire and with him shutting it down it saved the motor.

[@scottfarrar8661]

run the bore scope through the spark plug hole with the piston down and spin it around to see if there is scuffs/gouging in the cylinder walls

[@richardbutz3256]

The good lord was with y'all. Glad the damage is minimal

[@outlawtechnology7414]

It don't have to look pretty to run pretty!!! I'm glad everyone was safe and the motor is still good

[@jeffhanson6844]

It's still early in the video but I'm waiting for the shop vac to suck out as much crap as you can.

[@marshalllaw2865]

Magnet stick? I always drop something

[@rickyb2200]

Engine sounds alright , good look when you track test it.

[@garrywills9222]

Anti fog wipes for glasses and safety glasses is sold in Walmart's vision center and they're cheap but work very well! I use an airflow 3M welding hood and my lenses don't fog at all!

[@nashguy207]

Maybe you got lucky I was afraid a lot of the wiring was going to be burnt up. Let us know when you go run it. Hope Kayla and baby Andie are doing well. God Bless!

[@larryhoward4531]

Lucky lucky great job jojo getting out you saved that motor

[@alfee9411]

Get it on Back at it again... Chase it !

[@gilaylett9423]

Here’s a tip guys. Crank engine before turning on ignition. This won’t hurt the starter. I’ve had the same starter for ten years. Cheers.

[@kencarbon2346]

Enjoyed watching your video I think you are fixing things right. Keep up the good work.Be ready in no time.😀

[@georgiabandit1321]

The engine sounds good I must of missed the oil change video before it was cranked. Hey some times you can get lucky

[@michaeljohnson6529]

Congrats on what would have been a win!!! No Doubt!!! I would do a compression test for sure! If all comes out good there, then run it! If there is a cylinder with what seems like an issue?, then I would move to a leak down test on each cylinder!! Just my thoughts.......... Keep up the awesome videos!! Make more!!! We all want them!! Congrats Joseph on your little girl!! Mine is about to turn 18 in a couple months and she is still Daddy’s Little Girl!!! Cherish everyday!!! God Bless to all of you!! #HTF to the front! 👍

[@sixwillwin]

A compression test ? Really. Lol

[@johnmenschner3693]

Engine sounds good. I think you'll be okay depending on the track test. Will the other carb rebuild or replace. I love the headlights on the front of Jessie's car.

[@joezeit7391]

the music at 13:20 was excellent!

[@matchthat5053]

Definitely need a mount for the fuel regulator!

[@fearlesspatrriotMcKanna]

Jesus Lives and God Bless the Hunt the Front family of drivers family and fans. Pastor Tim Morris Il.

[@jayyhick65]

And with God may you remain a fearless patriot

[@annahunnicutt2398]

Ugh

[@jayyhick65]

@@annahunnicutt2398 his name look at his name lol

[@fearlesspatrriotMcKanna]

@@annahunnicutt2398 Why the "ugh"?

[@WayneLewis88]

@@annahunnicutt2398 Thank you, this is about racing not some Sunday morning service!!!!

[@CDeese39]

Fire suppression systems for all 3 cars now could have been a lot worse glad Joesph is ok and hopefully the damage isn’t to extreme

[@charleslegge3188]

Sounds good HTF, think y'all dodged a big bullet this time. As it says on the back of the spoiler Jesus lives, not only watching out for Joseph looking out for another big expense for HTF. We all thank the good Lord Joseph got out of that inferno.

[@johnhale9892]

I used a Parker Pumper fresh air system, and a helmet with the air inlet to keep my head cool while racing $200.00+. Air induction into the helmet is the way to go for all three cars, helmets of course will be the bigger expense of the two. Bell and Simpson helmets come to mind. $700.00+ close to a grand to have complete setup. $3.00 for a can of shaving cream to wash your glasses with. Your choice.

[@johnathansimpson7848]

The lord was definitely on y’all’s side for Sure

[@Brad-S]

So, Things Are Looking Up! 👍

[@mikesmotorsportsgamingrevi4814]

I just wondered it any of you guys think of trying to vacuum that stuff out before messing with the carburetor

[@samuelglisson4811]

Well done guys.

[@adambeale6938]

Glad the motor was ok. most of all nobody got hurt.

[@rubberbandmansgarage470]

Send it fellas those butterflies saved your butts!!

[@MJ-zy4ln]

Bolt the new parts on, upgrade the fire suppression system and Let Her Eat!. Joseph needs to get back out there and finish the job and take home the check! HTF!

[@robertdill1955]

Check oburg screen for shavings. Maybe check thru spark club hole with scope look around.

[@Hunter-eb6hx]

No oburg it's a crate motor it has a oil filter

[@aaronalderman236]

That is awesome that the motor is still good can you make some kind of a mount for motor Jonathan ?

[@ichi-goichi6184]

Did you guys check the cylinders thru the spark plugs holes with bora scope? Did you record the compression after you ran the motor for cylinder differences?

[@rmorin07]

I would suggest that you replace all of the throttle linkage, especially the heim joints. The last thing you guys need is a stuck throttle.

[@outfitsgarage88]

My suggestion is try it as is, but I'd definitely get away from those air filters. That could have been a disaster in that engine. A K&N or a good paper filter is highly suggested

[@Ezisnotaman]

LOVE the channel. I live in Central Illinois. Hope to get down your way, to watch you guys race this summer.

[@Ezisnotaman]

@@scott1708 Seriously?? I live close to Fairbury. I've been to several PDCs!

[@TheBrookian]

Me too!! I hope to see them at FALS July 30-31 for $50K to win supers!!

[@francishier4698]

I would go put some laps on it but I my self would run it when I was drag racing I had a fire (coil blew up) and it melted the carb but never got in the motor ran it the rest of the year you did right by scoping it good luck and give it hell

[@nathengonderman1491]

It sounds fine, If you ended up with any of that metal down the intake you would know it. also that metal and junk wouldn't have been loose until after the butterflies on the carb were closed. If you have the access to the track for a test and tune I would do it. Just start out easy and pick up the pace and RPMs slowly.

[@richardnieken2147]

I would check compression and if all 8 holes are close to each other and have good compression then change oil, clean the top of the motor up and run it, and move the regulator to a bracket on the firewall so it’s not hanging off of the fuel log, good luck but from watching the video the motor seems fine to me