Off with the burnt bits (MK1)

I managed to start the day by removing the battery to ensure there was no power left in the car as I plan to remove many parts, sensors and wires. While removing the battery I found 2 cans of WD40 in the boot which will save a few pounds and a nice extra.

With a bin by my side I set about removing any burnt or melted parts. I decided to keep all the brackets even though the surface is red rusty as I may sand blast and restore them, the price of the brackets could soon add up.

I started removing the bonnet which on my own was quite heavy and difficult to hold. It was soon out and as I got it out the scrap man turned up and I handed it over which helped with storage space.


With the bonnet off I turned my attention to getting the injectors out and seeing what condition they are in. I removed the half melted intercooler cover, then the intercooler, which reviled some black injectors, though they had been shielded from the heat and where only black from smoke.


With the intercooler off I proceeded to remove the air conditioning pump which with exception to the electronic clutch is still pumping so this may still be good after a rebuild (not that I want it). The air conditioning pump removal was made difficult by the melted bumper support so I took this off at the same time.
I then removed the alternator and found the shaft solid so this went directly into the bin along with the throttle.
The blower came off and after a quick clean is in perfect working order and not damaged.


With the front end off I wanted to remove the air box and other small melted bits of plastic. After prising off the air box and ECU I found that the the ECU looks untouched to the point that the wires entering the box are not melted and the wires and plug from the cabin fuse board is perfect.

I decided that since a lot of the sensors where close to the fire it would be beneficial to remove them, so out came the crank case sensor, water temperature, and the MAP sensor, I also thought to remove the thermostat as I do not know the condition.


Removal of the parts was difficult due to the melted plastic covering bolt and screw heads, also many of the bolts had been securely fixed thanks to the fire. However it was enjoyable to get blue to this point where it actually looks like there would only be another few days required to start the car or at least get the shopping list together.
Stripping the front I discovered that the suspension rubbers and brake lines have taken some of the heat too, they will need removing and changing too.

The next time I work on blue I will remove the A-panels, water bottles and remaining wires, I will then set about cleaning everything and removing the sump and cylinder head to check the engine over.