Engine caught on fire...what happened????

[NASTYDSM]

Ok, I just sold my 98 Trans Am and my twin turbo stealth and got a highly tuned gst. I bought the car which was tuned and put together by Pacific Performance (who is the best because they hold the record for the pro front wheel drive class ) . Approximately 20 minutes after i got the car it started smoking slightly from the exaust. 10 minutes later I was driving at 60 mph on the freeway and the engine all of a sudden pours out tons of smoke and i pull over. I get out and lift the hood only to see that it is on fire. After 3 minutes, I put the fire out with a large cup of water. There was oil all over the engine bay. Also there was oil in the radiator fluid (very bad sign). I am suspecting a blown head gasket but i am not sure. Just for the record i did run first and second gear out once or twice but that is not supposed to make the engine catch on fire. Oh and it didn't start to smoke immediately after i ran it out. WHAT HAPPENED? ANY IDEAS? my mods are in my sig.

 

[NASTYDSM]

Oh also, the car has 52,000 miles and a new steel head gasket was put on in the last year.

 

[NASTYDSM]

does ANYONE have an idea?

 

[LandoAWD]

Fuel leak? Fire gremlins?

 

[Defiant]

As suggested in your CROSSPOST, it's likely the dipstick blew out.

Ask ONCE.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by Defiant
As suggested in your CROSSPOST, it's likely the dipstick blew out.

Ask ONCE.

Yes, but...

Oil in water was the clue that in all probability you have a head gasket leak or something worse going on.

The dipstick thing is not uncommon to have, however, blowing enough oil out to catch on fire would suggest water/ antifreeze has leaked into crancase and overfilled. I've seen it so bat that when you pull the dipstick that oil will pour out the hole even without the engine running. I can only suggest you call the seller and see if they stand behind what they sell, it's only as good as the twit who took it on a road test and pushed it too far before you got your hands on it.

Normal post rebuild procedure is to put in top gear and accelerate from 30 to 60 mph 6-8 times if it's a stick to seat rings and pistons. Auto trans have to use D2 and lower specs. Nothing should go wrong if the job was done right. The engine should not overheat nor should you allow it to cool between each power application.

As best I can tell from your description you did nothing wrong which would cause this to happen if that means anything to comfort those gut feelings.

Let us know how this turns out or any new info which may help in formulating ideas on the before and after.

Cheers,
GTM