Sorry to hear about your loss. About 7 years ago I agreed to take a carburettor to GIB for a friend's car.

I collected it from some dodgy garage in a dark alley near Plumstead and drove to LHR. I took it through as hand luggage, not even thinking if it was allowed on board.

At security I was asked what was in my bag during x-ray...cue opening of bag and whiff of petrol; lots of sniffing by the staff ensued. I said it was a carburettor, fully expecting it to be turned away. The guy said ok, fine and let me on my way.