Red Hot Exhaust Pipe

[79930]

I started my 79 - 930 for the first time in a couple of months and noticed that the exhaust pipe on the right side that comes out of the heat exchanger (GHL Headers and Exhaust) was glowing red hot. The garage was dark and I have never noticed this before and was only running for a few minutes.

Should I be concerned? Is this normal?

Thanks
Kevin

[masraum]

I'm no expert, but that doesn't sound right. Were you out driving it around on boost, or was it just idling in the garage and/or cruising around the neighborhood. If you hadn't been on boost then my GUESS is that you are running REALLY lean on that side.

I would get that checked out before you run it too much more. I'd hate to see you melt a piston or anything.

[79930]

The car was not driven. Just idling in garage.

Thanks
Kevin

[Dantilla]

Turbochargers will glow at night, but after only running a few minutes? Hmmmm..... Not sure THATS right. Wastegate inop?

[masraum]

nope, after just idling in the garage I don't think anything should be glowing red. I wouldn't drive the car, but someone more turbo knowledgeable should chime in shortly with more info.

[thabaer]

The wastegate won't come into play unless you are getting enough revs to create boost, it isn't going to be the cause of any excess heat while just idling.

Why not contact GHL and ask them if they expect their fine equipment to be in this state while only idling, "I'm just a poor driver, could you please help me ?"

[Jim Sims]

I would guess that you're burning fuel in the exhaust system; missing cylinder on the right side? jim

[sammyg2]

A couple things i can think of that could cause this:
1) an exhaust valve that isn't closing all the way, allowing unburned gasses into the exhaust too early.
2) an improperly times cam that is opening the exhaust valves too early.
3) a clogged exhaust pipe or cat.
4) an improperly times spark that ignites gasses too late in the cycle.
That's all I can think of off the top of my knoggin. Could you see if it was traceable back to one cylinder pipe or common to all three?

[RarlyL8]

Does the exhaust smell like a dead mouse by any chance?

[Tim Walsh]

lol rarlyl8

[rick conrath]

In the past when I have had this type of issue, the fuel mixture was too lean. Try fattening up the mixture and see if this helps. Pehaps from sitting for the past few months the fuel circuit has gummed up.

[North Coast Cab]

A bad coil can send raw fuel to the exaust. VENSYDER on the BBS had is83 SC do this and it blistered the paint. Worth checking.

JG

[masraum]

since you mention that it only appears to be on one side of the engine I expect it is an issue with the cylinder(s) on that side, could be one cylinder or a couple. Check for good spark and fuel to all three on that side, and then I guess also check the valves.

Don't forget to hope for the best and maintain positive thoughts while troubleshooting.

[79930]

Thanks for the all the advise. I will check spark and fuel delivery and let you know what I find.

Kevin

[79930]

Problem solved. 1 of the spark plug wires was not connected properly at the dist.

Thanks
Kevin

[masraum]

cool, glad it wasn't anything more serious

[thabaer]

Gotta love those low-cost repairs!