Headers Getting red Hot
 

Hi all I have a 84 Vette that I have had a lot of work done on it over the last 3 weeks.

My issue is as soon as you start the car with in 5 minutes the header pipe next to the heads start to get glowing red. I don't think this is normal. What could be the issue causing this.

Cat was replaced about 35000k ago. New tune up just done car runs and drives great no check engine light.

Items just done. Trans service, water pump, new air pump, new idler pulley, all new vacuum lines and new map senor.

I really like driving it but scared to due so due to the heads getting red hot! Hense the 234k on the car.

Please any help would be great!:willy:

Usually it'll mean she's way too lean (rich can do it too), timing is way off, or plugged up cat.

No codes? I'd look at fuel pressure first because its easy, base timing with EST disconnected should be at 6 BTDC, check that too. Vac leak is possible culprit as well, as it will add too much fuel and that can burn in the primary, do your headers have AIR connectors?

I would really looking into the timing of the motor runs the motor really hot. As was said earlier vacuum leaks could be a problem, I've used a lit cigarette around the intake manifold and gaskets to tell me if there is a leak. Some people idle the car and spray carb cleaner around these areas and listen for the engine to speed up.

I've found problems with damage/incorrect intake gaskets before with these methods.

Starter fluid is what is used.

No, not usually. Ether is actually not a good to use as a starter fluid even though that is what people used it for.
I would rather used WD-40 on a diesel engine and carb cleaner on a gasoline/methanol/race gas motor.


I guess it doesn't like my embedded Youtube link.

If it is just on some of the runners and not all of them take a IR heat gun and shoot the pipes one at a time. If one or two are a lot hotter then the others check your valve lash. Is this is too far out you will get red hot pipes.

Same thing happened to me, the 1st time I started my Nova with new engine.

Set the timing higher. Rotate distributor counter-clockwise. (arrow in pic shows rotor direction)

http://www.joby.se/corvette/misc/firing_order.gif

Fixed Headed red glow issue
 

The issue was the cat was completely stopped up. I can not believe the difference in performance now! Bought poped on myself when I went to take off. Car got side ways! Yippy!!!!!!

:rock:

Man..glad you sorted that out quick..and you did not need to rip into the valves, adjust lash etc, good advice on this forum..awesome!! Vader86 nailed it !