glowing headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: SAN DIEGO CA
glowing headers
I have an 86 vette with a new 383 stroker and full length headers. I noticed while it was running the exhuast pipes on each side of the engine (middle pipes only) were slightly glowing red. I know my timing is off but what would make only the middle pipes glow. I reconditioned the engine and the only change I made was adding a Lingenfelter Superram. :banghead:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: SAN DIEGO CA
Re: glowing headers (PMARTINEZ92126)
I DID DISCONNECT THE AIR TUBE THAT GOES FROM THE CAT TO THE ENGINE BAY ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ENGINE. WOULD THAT MAKE THE MIDDLE HEADERS GLOW.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: SAN DIEGO CA
Re: glowing headers (PMARTINEZ92126)
One last note while im researching this glowing header problem. My cat is probably ruined cuzz it got water inside and I bent the hell out of the airtube that goes inside the engine bay on 86 vettes. im just trying to get it tuned so I can drive it to the muffler shop for new cat and airtube. Airtube is bent pretty bad.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 835
Likes: 3
From: Water Winter Wonderland
Re: glowing headers (PMARTINEZ92126)
Mine does that when I disconnect the brown/white timing wire for a timing check. This retards the timing, resulting in your a/f mixture burning in your headers instead of the combustion chamber!
Check the timing.
:cheers: -Bill
Check the timing.
:cheers: -Bill
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Re: glowing headers (ELEVENS)
I agree with the guys that are saying retarded timing is the problem. Typically the retarded timing doesn't burn the entire mixture of fuel and the unburned portion is effectively burning as it goes out the header tubes.
Now with that being said. The glowing should be uniform. Which could be a result of a vacuum leak making you lean. Get some ether and check around the SR gasket surfaces. You will hear the motor rev if you spray it on a leak.
Sounds to me like you might have multiple things happening. Set the base timing at 6* and use the stock bin for starters. That should have plenty of timing to keep it from being retarded too much. Also make sure you have the ESC (electronic spark controller) plugged together.
Let us know what you find. :cheers:
Now with that being said. The glowing should be uniform. Which could be a result of a vacuum leak making you lean. Get some ether and check around the SR gasket surfaces. You will hear the motor rev if you spray it on a leak.
Sounds to me like you might have multiple things happening. Set the base timing at 6* and use the stock bin for starters. That should have plenty of timing to keep it from being retarded too much. Also make sure you have the ESC (electronic spark controller) plugged together.
Let us know what you find. :cheers:
