Glowing headers

[69charger440]

Just started my 440 for the first time!! My headers get red hot. Was wondering what your folks opinion was on this situation. What might me wrong with it?? Too Lean? Timing?

[Ghoste]

I would check both.  It will most likely be a lean condition but either can contribute and either can cause serious damage.

[69charger440]

I havnt touched it since I turned it off!! I checked the plugs, They were slightly white barely!

[Ghoste]

Lean.

[69charger440]

Yeah, thats what my father was LEANING towards.       

[MoParMetal]

i thought that the first time you start up a freshly built motor it runs really hot. i thought thats why you use old headers on the break in cycle. did i get some wrong information?

[69charger440]

I used really old headers, I mean old!!  I think some rust came off!!!

[Ghoste]

Nope, they frequently run hot on break in.  Red hot and white plugs though makes me think it's lean.

[69charger440]

I thought you used old headers because the new headers with ceramic coating need the be hardened. But turning the engine off and on damaged the headers hardening process!

[2harleyriders]

Is your choke hooked up??

[69charger440]

Not sure, I am not use to the Holleys!! it is a Vacum secondary 750.    Should it be open or closed!

[firefighter3931]

Glowing headers usually means the timing is retarded. Late timing will cause the unburnt fuel to ignite in the header tube instead of the combustion chamber...where it's supposed to.

Put a timing light on it and make sure you have at least 30* of advance at 2000 rpm next time you fire it up.

The Holley 750 should be close on jetting unless someone has installed much smaller jets on the primary side. A vacuum leak can also create a lean mixture so check for that.



Ron

[Ghoste]

Would timing cause the white plugs though Ron?

[firefighter3931]

Would timing cause the white plugs though Ron?

It's difficult to get a good reading on the plugs when the engine is running so hot. The excessive heat can (and will) burn any residue off the plugs. If the timing is right and they're still white then it's time to jet up or start looking for vacuum leaks. 

I allways sort out the ignition first before moving onto the fuel delivery....just the way i do it. 



Ron

[69charger440]

Well I think I found out what the problem was! My check valve for my power brakes popped out. So that would be a huge vacume leak!!! But i will have to wait and see. I have to get another fuel tank, before I start it up again. Mine has a steady leak coming out of it!! i will repost and let you guys know if that is the problem. Looks like the charger is staying home this weekend. No Vegas for the charger this year!!

[Ghoste]

Sorry to hear that but it's good that at least have probably solved your problem.

[idahogrumpy]

Sean, I'm very disappointed in you.  You don't think I'm steering you in the right direction or what? Your Old man has been doing this a long time.  Just giving you the business, have fun.
The Old Man 

[firefighter3931]

Well I think I found out what the problem was! My check valve for my power brakes popped out. So that would be a huge vacume leak!!!

Yep, that'll do it ! Hopefully that check valve replacement will fix it....it should.


Ron

[69charger440]

If not, then I get to fix other things. It never ends. I realize this!!

[Ghoste]

It's more relaxing than being a crackhead (or at least I think it is).

[69charger440]

but it is about as expensive   

[farmerjon]

but it is about as expensive   

man isn't that the truth    and like crack it never ends

[Ghoste]

I knew a crackhead once who told me they should've called it "more".  (he ended up ruining his life over it too which was a shame because he was a very talented painter, bodyman and a Mopar guy)

[myfever]

Just started my 440 for the first time!! My headers get red hot. Was wondering what your folks opinion was on this situation. What might me wrong with it?? Too Lean? Timing?

Thats normal,,,A new engine and new headers,my original hooker headers glowed too...a new engine runs a little hotter also......Phil

[69charger440]

Just started my 440 for the first time!! My headers get red hot. Was wondering what your folks opinion was on this situation. What might me wrong with it?? Too Lean? Timing?

Thats normal,,,A new engine and new headers,my original hooker headers glowed too...a new engine runs a little hotter also......Phil

They were old headers, does that matter!