Why is my header bright red?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: dunellen nj
Why is my header bright red?
Well here's the history of my project.
I recently installed the SLP runners and Edelbrock base plate on my 90 TPI. The runners were for an 88 so I had to take care of that damn ninth injector crap. After that was all finished I slapped the car back together and the passenger side manifold was glowing red hot. I attributed it to having the EGR blocked off. With that I decided it was time to get headers as I have been wanting to do this for some time.
Fast forward to today. Headers, 3" cats, dual 2.75" exhaust installed with X-pipe. After a long day of cutting and welding I turn it on. Idle is high, about 2k and the car is timed perfect (I think, not too sure which marks on the balancer are for advance). The passenger side header begins glowing bright red now.
I spoke to Mike at corvetteplenum.com and he said it may be a lean condition and the idle may be IAC. Before I tackle this again tomorrow are there any other things I should be looking for?
I recently installed the SLP runners and Edelbrock base plate on my 90 TPI. The runners were for an 88 so I had to take care of that damn ninth injector crap. After that was all finished I slapped the car back together and the passenger side manifold was glowing red hot. I attributed it to having the EGR blocked off. With that I decided it was time to get headers as I have been wanting to do this for some time.
Fast forward to today. Headers, 3" cats, dual 2.75" exhaust installed with X-pipe. After a long day of cutting and welding I turn it on. Idle is high, about 2k and the car is timed perfect (I think, not too sure which marks on the balancer are for advance). The passenger side header begins glowing bright red now.
I spoke to Mike at corvetteplenum.com and he said it may be a lean condition and the idle may be IAC. Before I tackle this again tomorrow are there any other things I should be looking for?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
In my personal experience, a glowing exhaust is most often caused by retarded ignition timing. Not enough advance. Set that first.
On the 86 I had I made sure the EST was disconnected and set the initial to 6/10 degrees BTDC. I believe, for your engine, 6 is stock. Disconnect the battery for several seconds after you're done to clear the stored SES code. Don't forget to re-connect the EST.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
On the 86 I had I made sure the EST was disconnected and set the initial to 6/10 degrees BTDC. I believe, for your engine, 6 is stock. Disconnect the battery for several seconds after you're done to clear the stored SES code. Don't forget to re-connect the EST.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
Last edited by JAKE; Jul 13, 2009 at 07:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Viewing the engine from standing in front of it, the advance (BTDC) scale is on the counter-clock-wise (left) side of ZERO (0) TDC. Each hash mark is a 2 degree change from the previous/next hash mark..
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: dunellen nj
Well I can already tell you the timing is wrong. I set it 8 degrees to the right (retarrded) so I guess thats the first place I'm gonna check.
I turned it that way because the idle was crazy high when I set it the other way. I guess I'm gonna set it right (advanced) and then fix the high idle the right way.
I turned it that way because the idle was crazy high when I set it the other way. I guess I'm gonna set it right (advanced) and then fix the high idle the right way.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,642
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From: Suwanee,Ga
In my personal experience, a glowing exhaust is most often caused by retarded ignition timing. Not enough advance. Set that first.
On the 86 I had I made sure the EST was disconnected and set the initial to 6/10 degrees BTDC. I believe, for your engine, 6 is stock. Disconnect the battery for several seconds after you're done to clear the stored SES code. Don't forget to re-connect the EST.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
On the 86 I had I made sure the EST was disconnected and set the initial to 6/10 degrees BTDC. I believe, for your engine, 6 is stock. Disconnect the battery for several seconds after you're done to clear the stored SES code. Don't forget to re-connect the EST.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
TJM
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
you cant use cold start runners on a speed density plenum. yes they look like they will fit but will have one massive vacumn leak between drivers side runner and plenum. that is why car runs at 2k rpm and its massive vacumn leak is leaning motor out real bad.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
here, if you didn't plug the upper egr passage on the drivers side of the runner you can see why it would leak when against a 1990 plenum. the 85-88 cold start plenums have a cast in passage in the plenum that a 89-
90 doesn't have.
I think this is the cause of all your problems "well unless you plugged that passage as well" but the map would certainly detect this kind of a vacumn leak and go wild.
90 doesn't have.
I think this is the cause of all your problems "well unless you plugged that passage as well" but the map would certainly detect this kind of a vacumn leak and go wild.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: dunellen nj
here, if you didn't plug the upper egr passage on the drivers side of the runner you can see why it would leak when against a 1990 plenum. the 85-88 cold start plenums have a cast in passage in the plenum that a 89-
90 doesn't have.
I think this is the cause of all your problems "well unless you plugged that passage as well" but the map would certainly detect this kind of a vacumn leak and go wild.
90 doesn't have.
I think this is the cause of all your problems "well unless you plugged that passage as well" but the map would certainly detect this kind of a vacumn leak and go wild.
If the timing thing doesn't work, I'll have a nice set of SLP Runners ported and painted up for sale for pre-89 cars!
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 85
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No worries, I think the guys in here will have you straightened out quickly. GREAT advise.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
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From: Yucaipa CA
sounds like a 3rd gen f-body tactic.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 287
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From: dunellen nj
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,689
Likes: 4
From: Yucaipa CA
with my 90 project I can actually relate to that believe it or not. So you filled the whole egr tube with silicone? I hope you post a picture of this sometime. You are a pioneer in this thats for sure! But hey, if it does the trick so be it!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: dunellen nj
I'm gonna set the timing tomorrow, to 8 deg advance, then fix the rough idle (vac leak, IAC, or whatever other mess I got the car into), then hopefully drive it.
I bought this car 4 years ago and every summer I decide to mod it and every summer it sits undrivable for weeks. Will I learn? NEVER!!!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 545
Likes: 3
From: Wichita Kansas
Well I can already tell you the timing is wrong. I set it 8 degrees to the right (retarrded) so I guess thats the first place I'm gonna check.
I turned it that way because the idle was crazy high when I set it the other way. I guess I'm gonna set it right (advanced) and then fix the high idle the right way.
I turned it that way because the idle was crazy high when I set it the other way. I guess I'm gonna set it right (advanced) and then fix the high idle the right way.
Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
I plugged the one on my 86 the same way; sensor safe silicone. I believe I even used a nickel or quarter to help fill the hole. Did something similar to the EGR tube on the passenger side. Ran it that way for years.
Jake
West Point ROCKS!
Jake
West Point ROCKS!