This is topic GLOWING HEADERS !!! any ideas??? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
I figured you guys could tell me whats going on with my headers. today i put my stock h pipe back on after taking the x pipe off. i need to smog my car and had to put everything back to stock. but now after everything was done i started the car and after about 10 minutes the headers are glowing a BRIGHT RED !!! like their overheating or something. but its just the drivers side that are getting hot, the passenger side are staying normal color. Im thinking maybe i didnt get the drivers side tightened enough and its not exhausting correctly. anyone have any answers or ideas??? please text or pm me. Thanks cali fords!! 916 591 2501
 

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Posted by ILLMNRD86 (Member # 9987) on :
 
Like this?




Could be running lean and the timing may need to be adjusted..
 

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Posted by norcalfiddy (Member # 11207) on :
 
Could be lean or plugged up h pipe
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Think revving it up might clear it out. my timing has never been changed and I never had this problem before. And its wierd that only one side is glowing
 

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Posted by OneFastHatch. (Member # 9537) on :
 
Probably cats are clogged... New h pipe is needed
 

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Posted by BlackNGold (Member # 655) on :
 
The leaner the fuel mixture the hotter the exhaust temp...Too much advanced timing causes a lean condition too...

Since the only thing you've recently changed is your Hpipe, then I'd say that's the problem...(possibly clogged)

Put your other mid pipe on and see if you still have that problem.
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Dam I just finally found this h pipe and I already gotta take it off?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Only one side glows
 

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Posted by ILLMNRD86 (Member # 9987) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 95 GT:
Dam I just finally found this h pipe and I already gotta take it off?

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Yes more likely than not the catalytic converter is clogged on the side that is turning red, thus making it no good..
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Ok right on. I'll see if I can rev it up and hear anything and if it doesn't clear it out then ill change it and see if it changes.anything
 

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Posted by CAStang (Member # 9568) on :
 
That's a clogged cat. I had the same problem in a 79 Grand Prix I had years back.
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
I wouldn't rev it up. It's not going to solve the issue. If the cat is clogged there is nothing you can do to unclog it. Remove the midpipe and replace it ASAP.

If you rev it up, your only going to introduce more heat to the engine
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
I can see exhaust coming out of both tailpipes tho
 

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Posted by ILLMNRD86 (Member # 9987) on :
 
I had deja vu about the thread where the guy said he used water to flush his engine oil out.. lmao
 

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Posted by CAStang (Member # 9568) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 95 GT:
I can see exhaust coming out of both tailpipes tho

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quote:

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Originally posted by OneFastHatch.:
Probably cats are clogged... New h pipe is needed

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quote:

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Originally posted by ILLMNRD86:
I had deja vu about the thread where the guy said he used water to flush his engine oil out.. lmao

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Lmfao!! I remember that
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Ok. Sounds good ill take this one off and see what's happens. And of coarse I'm going to have less power I took off the x pipe and cold air intake
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Just got done switching the new h pipe I put on for another one. Just waiting for the computer to reset. Here goes nothin...

Ps- I still think the drivers side flange is not meeting up correctly or somethin. It just seems wrong...idk....I hate this
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
Header to midpipe collector would have nothing to do with glowing headers
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
No bueno....now both sides are glowing....
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 


[ December 16, 2012, 09:49 PM: Message edited by: 95 GT ]
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
This is what it looks like after the car runs for a couple mins..





[ December 16, 2012, 09:48 PM: Message edited by: 95 GT ]
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
That has 2 bad cats. Put on a off road h pipe and see what happens.
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
the only thing i can think is that the bolts are not tight enough and the heat is coming out right at the header and not out through the exhaust h pipe and mufflers...the timing has not been changed and the o2 sensors are not showing that the car is running too lean or too rich....AHHHH HELP... I NEED TO GET THIS CAR SMOGGED BY WEDNESDAY OR NO TAGS FOR ME...AND NO DRIVING
 

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Posted by coupe5oh (Member # 10411) on :
 
02 sensors plugged in? wiring to 02 sensors ok? do like everyone else is saying put the o/r midpipe back on and see if it continues
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
so the first h pipe i put on had one bad cat and this h pipe has two...??? wierd...i guess the only thing to do is put back on the x pipe and see if it goes away...
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
An exhaust leak will not cause the headers to get hot like that.

One of two things is happening. Your running super lean. This will sky rocket your exhaust gas temperatures.

Or you have plugged cats. Have you done anything else to the car recently?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
the only things ive done was put this h pipe on and put the stock intake back in. just getting it smog ready, and ive never checked to see if the headers are getting this hot before, i just noticed it after changing the one i had on
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
When you say intake, do you mean intake manifold or cold air intake? Potentially a vacuum leak on the intake side causing too much unmetered air in, causing a lean condition
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
i got to get this car smogged by wednesday...my temp sticker expires on the 19th. it sucks i got stuck with this smog issue. i guess next time ill make sure the seller smogs it for me before i buy it and not just TRUST them...my fault...if anyone knows how i can smog this car let me know...916 591 2501 dsciume@hotamail.com
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
cold air intake...
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
Check to make sure your maf sensor is plugged in and clean. Male sure all hose clamps are tight and everything seats as it should.

Check your o2 sensors and make sure they are plugged in.
Check vaccum hoses for any cracks or leaks

In the end, still sounds like clogged cats
 

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Posted by 50Reasons (Member # 6452) on :
 
If you changed intake make sure your vacume lines are ran correctly and o2 sensors not plugged in will not make it run lean it would make it run rich if vacume lines are ran correctly then cats are clogged or fuel pump is going out
 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
Good call, your right about the o2 sensor. Bad info on my part


Are you throwing a check engine light?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
O2 sensors are good and tight and fuel pump is good. What is the hose that plugs into the middle of the h pipe . I think it goes up to egr or something
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
I'll clean the maf and see if that helps . U just don't see two h pipes being bad. And one of them was jusy used to smog supposally
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
ANYONE HAVE A GOOD H PIPE I CAN BORROW TO SMOG?? PLEASE
 

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Posted by 84SVOrick (Member # 9039) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by ILLMNRD86:
I had deja vu about the thread where the guy said he used water to flush his engine oil out.. lmao

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quote:

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Originally posted by ILLMNRD86:
I had deja vu about the thread where the guy said he used water to flush his engine oil out.. lmao

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quote:

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Originally posted by 95 GT:
O2 sensors are good and tight and fuel pump is good. What is the hose that plugs into the middle of the h pipe . I think it goes up to egr or something

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quote:

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Originally posted by 95 GT:
so i put back on the x pipe and no good...im so fustrated...its back exactly how i had it before i started f'n with the dam exhaust and now im screwed....i dont know what to do. i didnt mess with anything else...

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huh? are the headers glowing with the xpipe on? yes or no?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
ya, sorry. still glowing bright as day
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
so x pipe is on and headers are still glowing. I checked all the vacuum lines and check everything visualy but i dont see anything out of the ordinary. but heres a pic of my spark plug and maybe someone can tell me if im running to lean or rich since thats what everyone thinks is the problem, and im going to buy a timing gun so i can check that too

 

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Posted by coupe5oh (Member # 10411) on :
 
what plugs are those?looks like your electrode is gone...pull the other plugs and check them too...since the are out get new plugs if the rest look the same...since your car is stock get some autolite 25s
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
ok sounds good. im going to check the timing tomorrow. what should it be set at for stock? it idles pretty high so maybe thats helping the headers get hot so quick
 

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Posted by OneFastHatch. (Member # 9537) on :
 
10* timing.

Adjust tps for idle after checking for vacuum lines.
 

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Posted by Don (Member # 938) on :
 
My vote is timing. Everytime I pull the dizzy on a motor and sart over on timing i get my headers to glow. Let us know but I bet it is timing.
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
K ill let u know. Thanks guys
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Does anyone have a ecu for a 95 GT 5 speed I can borrow to see if its my computer that's the problem. Pm me or text me 916 591 2501. Thanks
 

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Posted by OneFastHatch. (Member # 9537) on :
 
Check timing!!!!!!!!
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
I'm lookin for a timing gun. My neighbors not around right now with his. I gotta check prices tonight on them
 

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Posted by Greasy (Member # 5258) on :
 
O'reilly's has them for $25 or so.
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
k sweet. im going to try and get one tonight, and hopefully i can figure out the timing thing...but 10 degrees above center???
 

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Posted by Greasy (Member # 5258) on :
 
Oops

[ December 20, 2012, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: Greasy ]
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
Its 10 degress before top dead center with the spout connecter removed.
 

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Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by MACK.GT:
Its 10 degress before top dead center with the spout connecter removed.

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^^^ +1 BEFORE
 

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Posted by Greasy (Member # 5258) on :
 
Yep my bad thanks for the correction guys
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
Have you been able to check the EGR yet?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
No. Nobody said anything about egr. What check if its working? How do u test it and wouldn't it show a code if it was bad?
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
The egr position sensor would throw a code , but the valve itself is vacuum operated, so what you do to test it is , get a hand held vacuum pump , hook it up to the vacuum port, pump it till you see around 10 -12 (double check this spec)in hg, and its supposed to hold vacuum for like 20 sec. This test is done with the engine off. Your testing to make sure the valve isn't leaking at all. Also, the picture of that spark plug looks normal ,light. Brownish ,tan . However those spark plugs do not look stock. Also, a lean condition on either bank will throw a code. Go to autozone and rent a fuel pressure gauge, remove the shrader valve cover and hook that thing up to see what fuel pressure you have at idle. Is the engine misfiring at all ?? Popping sounds at idle ??
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
THANKS A LOT MACK! That information was really helpful. In response no the car does not misfire of have a rough idle. It does idle very high tho and when i give it gas and let of the pedal it sticks for a couple seconds and then drops. So I checked the timing tonight and hooked up the code reader and this is what i found out. i also checked the voltage and operation (per my maintence book) of the MAF, TPS, IAC and EGR. All tested good except for the TPS. The timing is sitting at exactly 10. I check the voltage of the the TPS throttle position sensor and its performing like it should. But the code reader is showing a 122 code for below minimum voltage. So i dont know. should i replace the TPS because its showing the code?? thats the only thing i saw out of the ordinary. The throttle is sticking so maybe that has to do with it. I try to adjust the idle down since its so high, by using the idle screw. but it does take the idle down. if anything it brings it up. im going to check for a vacuum leak tomorrow...
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
the only code shown was the 122. it read a 111 (pass) and then the 122 and that was it
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
and i cleaned the IAC but it didnt help. the spring inside looked like the bottom two or three rips were broken. i think. i dont know for sure because ive never seen a brand new one and know what its supposed to look like
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
Ok well the iac sounds like it might be time for a new one soon. But what I see here is the idle screw adjustment you did, does not sound inline with the procedure that's outlined in the repair manual or online. The tps sensor must be unplugged while you set the idle with the adjument screw. Also the battery must be disconnected for 30min to clear the eec iv memory. That's actually the first step. Ill look up the link that tells you the step by step procedure for base idle reset. And post it on here...also it might be helpful to know what fuel pressure you have at idle. Maybe go with a fresh set of spark plugs, make sure the gap is correct , those ones you posted the picture of I think may be the problem , run a bottle of fuel injector cleaner too.
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
http://webpages.charter.net/darrell1/mustang_efi.html
I've done this a few times before and skipped step 6 without problems.

[ December 21, 2012, 04:10 PM: Message edited by: MACK.GT ]
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
ok thanks. it didnt say anything about reseting the computer or disconecting the tps while i make the adjustment for idle. but im going to buy a new tps and iac today and i was going to grab plugs while i was there. and i already have guages for the fuel line and to check the vacuum. so im going to check those today too, can you tell me the procedure for checking if the pressure on the fuel line is good. i know that i need to plug the setup into the shrader valve but i dont know how to check if its holding or what the pressure should be. thanks mack
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
Ok, first you got to relieve the fuel pressure before you can hook up the gauge, do this by going to the trunk driver side ,near the tailight, locate the inertia switch, disconnect it. Then get in the car and crank the engine for around 5 seconds. It won't start of course, but the system is now relieved of pressure, now hook up the fuel pressure gauge at the shrader valve on the fuel line. Go back to trunk, and reconnect the inertia switch. Start the car. Read pressure note it. Disconnect the vacuum hose from top of fuel pressure regulator, note pressure. Turn off engine , watch the pressure, with your stock regulator the line pressure should hold steady for at least a couple min before it very slowly begins to drop. Smell vacuum hose that goes to fuel pressure reg,, if it smells of gas the unit is through. At idle the pressure should read around 35-37, and with the vacuum line removed it should go up around 5 psi. Those specs are not exact but close, id have to crack open the book to see the exact fuel pressure spec. Id say though if your fuel pressure is leaking down after shut off, its the regulator, if the pressure is low at idle, then then fuel pump is on its way out.
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
jsut replaced the tps...no help. still idling super high... maybe iac next...?
 

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Posted by Greasy (Member # 5258) on :
 
What's your TPS voltage at?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
it was about .75 at idle and i think 4.75 something a full throttle. im going to buy the IAC now...but if thats not it does anyone have a mass airflow sensor i can buy??

[ December 21, 2012, 10:25 PM: Message edited by: 95 GT ]
 

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Posted by MACK.GT (Member # 10461) on :
 
The new plugs didn't help? What fuel pressure did you get?
 

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Posted by 95 GT (Member # 9673) on :
 
Put new iac in and pulled apart the mass air flow sensor. i found a nice piece of dirt on one of the probes. and now im idling nice and pretty, and my headers are nice and normal. THANK GOD! finally finished. running beautifully now. perfedt idle and amazingly responsive again!! So i dont know if it was the iac or the piece of dirt that was the issue, but its fixed. id put my money on the mass air flow sensor tho. thanks mack and all the dudes on here that took the time to help me out and give advice. now if i can only pass smog tomorrow...LOL
 

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Posted by OneFastHatch. (Member # 9537) on :
 

 

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Posted by Flatline (Member # 12081) on :
 
Fuck yeah! Great to hear man. I was bummed with all the problems you went through. Glad it's all workin out for you now!
 

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Posted by coupe5oh (Member # 10411) on :
 
Awesome..hopefully you dont make a thread 2morro with the title "why wont my car pass smog"
 

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Posted by OneFastHatch. (Member # 9537) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by coupe5oh:
Awesome..hopefully you dont make a thread 2morro with the title "why wont my car pass smog"

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