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New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP!

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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 03:46 PM
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Default New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP!

Topic says all! what would cause this?

How to fix?!?! Do I have valves out of adjustment?

Thanks!
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:02 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

Yes it could be that the valves are out of adjustment they maybe to tight and because off that they dont close all the way, but it could be that you have the timeing off too.

Jay
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:09 PM
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Valves, Timing, Fuel.....
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:14 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

You're ignition timing is too far retarded and you're burning fuel in the headers.
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:17 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Ok I am no pro at adjusting valves so There might be some of the problem.
While driving it has a small surge down low, under 3000rpms, then right about 3100-3200 it jumps and starts pulling. Crusing at about 2900-3000 rpms felt a slight miss perhaps.

The timing shouldn't really be off, the computer should have that handled right? It was reprogrammed by Ed Wright for this setup.

I may be leaning out the 30lb injectors. I started at 42 psi then when I saw the headers I screwed the regulator almost all the way in. Not sure what it is now. Maybe my stock pump isn't keeping up???

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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:25 PM
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Stock pump should be ok I would think. Cut some carboard up to make up a makeshift valve cover with an open top and adjust the valves while the engine is running. :)
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:48 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Thanks Scorp! Thats a good idea. You just lossen them till they chatter then tighten until they stop, then 1/4 turn?!?! Is that right?

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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:52 PM
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Thanks Scorp! Thats a good idea. You just lossen them till they chatter then tighten until they stop, then 1/4 turn?!?! Is that right?
Yup. It is very noticeable when they start to go CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK. Then just sloooooooowly tighten them until they stop. Then sloooooowly tighten it another 1/4-1/2 turn (up to you, many people like different amounts).

You want to tighten them slowly so that they stay fully pumped up with oil as you tighten them otherwise you may blow the oil out and actually end up overtightening.

Just pick one at the front and start with it, then work your way back to the rear.
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 04:58 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

Cool, Thanks again. I'll do that when I get home tonight! :cheers:

Hopefully that will fix my problem.
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 05:17 PM
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Default Re: (James94LT1)

I started at 42 psi then when I saw the headers I screwed the regulator almost all the way in.
That will only make it worse. The problem with the glowing headers is there is TOO MUCH fuel and the left over is being burned in the header. Lean it back down to 40-42 and readjust the valves to 1/4 past zero lash as suggested. You might want to get some Diacom readings from the system and see what te computer is trying to do or compensate for.
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 05:19 PM
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Default Re: (Vette92)

If you adjust the valves with the car running without valve covers on, it will spray oil out onto the headers. When I adjusted mine that way (once) I used a peice of cardboard the length of the head and placed it where any oil would be directed back into the head and keep it off the headers.

Chris
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 05:36 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

James:
Pretty much everything in this thread is correct in the POSSIBLE cause for your glowing headers. But it would not suprise me if the thinner walls of headers, coupled with the nature of the engine design couldn't lead to cherry red headers naturally.
I had a Porsche ten years ago with the same symptom. I tested everything under the sun to no avail. Everything checked out fine. Then a Porsche mechanic opioned the obvious when he said, "you know they may all glow. I never look under the hood of a hot, running engine in a dark place." It makes one wonder as to whether or not a lot of headers on a lot of engines glow in the dark. Good luck. Cire96
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 07:27 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

if you put the cam in off a tooth, double-whammy! the LT1 times from the cam, so you'd end up with a retarded cam timing, and retarded ignition timing.
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 08:04 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (MSR)

if you put the cam in off a tooth, double-whammy! the LT1 times from the cam, so you'd end up with a retarded cam timing, and retarded ignition timing.
I believe the cam is in correctly. The 2 dots on the timing set line up everytime and are in a straight line.


After talking to Chris, lcvette, about this, I think I found the problem.

I didn't let the lifters get pumped up first and I believe I have the rockers to tight. Causing them to hang open some. So gas is getting burnt in the header. I am going to try to adjust while running, the only problem is the crane gold rockers have that lock nut and this may be kinda tricky while running.

How could I have got the cam a tooth off? If they line up it should be good right? This is my first cam swap so of course I'm a little unsure about everything :crazy:

Thanks James
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 08:07 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

Just a suggestion, and it may not be a problem for you, but...

If you think you over adjusted the rockers, pull the push rods and check them for straightness by rolling them on a flat surface. I over adjusted my first set of rockers many moons ago and bent 3-4 puhrods before getting them set right. May be worth it to check while you are adjusting anyway.

Chris
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Old Aug 26, 2002 | 08:15 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (Vette92)

Just a suggestion, and it may not be a problem for you, but...

If you think you over adjusted the rockers, pull the push rods and check them for straightness by rolling them on a flat surface. I over adjusted my first set of rockers many moons ago and bent 3-4 puhrods before getting them set right. May be worth it to check while you are adjusting anyway.

Chris
Thanks, I will do that. I did get the comp hardened rods so hopefully I'm ok there.

From what I described above it sounds like the cam is in ok doesn't it?

Thanks Chris,

James
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Old Aug 27, 2002 | 09:50 AM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

I'm in the same boat as you.

Have you checked your base timing? And I'm not sure about your year, but did you plug in the ESC after installation of your cam?

I know when I am timing my car if I let it run very long with the ESC unplugged, it glow the headers right away.

Wouldn't screwing the AFPR in further, raise the pressure more making the excess fuel increase? I think I am right.

Also redoing the vavles made things much better in my car. I like the car running method. You have a better chance of getting them all right.

I wrapped the headers with tin foil. It not only keeps the oil off them, but also keeps the heat from being right in your face while trying to adjust them. Keep the shiney side towards the headers. It really worked well.

Can't remember on the stock heads, but the oil return for the AFRs are way up in the back. This causes the oil to overflow the edge closest to the headers. It causes smoke really bad. Also you shouldn't get much oil spray with RR. Just when they are clacking you will get a little.

Good luck and I would check the FP again. You are probably way too high.

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Old Aug 27, 2002 | 01:54 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (danno85)

You're ignition timing is too far retarded and you're burning fuel in the headers.
thats my guess? :confused:
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Old Aug 27, 2002 | 02:34 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (yoslambo1@cs.com)

Ok guys I adjusted the rockers last night while running. Though I got them right, they were definately tight. So got everything back together, changed oil and reset fuel pressure to 42 psi.

Drove and still the same. Stumbles low, doesn't pull like it should. So I pulled over about 6 blocks away from home and guess what...?

Glowing headers again! Took home and cussed :smash:

Ok here is my setup... LT4 Stage III Heads/intake/30lb svo/1.6 crane rollers/custom ground cam don't have specs here with me. Upgraded to 95 style opti and went to double roller timing chain.

Could my computer programming be screwed?

Thanks.....guys!!!
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Old Aug 27, 2002 | 02:40 PM
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Default Re: New Heads/Cam package installed now headers Glowing?!?!? HELP! (James94LT1)

Could my computer programming be screwed?
Yes. Go to a dyno, do a few pulls with a datalogger attached to the car. Send the data, dyno results, and wideband O2 results to whoever is doing your programming. Mailorder programming isn't the best way to go.
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