GTR1999

Fired up the 75 motor for the 1st time to break in the Xe268 cam. First I had to shut down 3 times because of gas leaking from carb line. Luckly the engine didn't fire very long when it did. Once I got the leak fixed,fired it up for 20-25 minute at 2000-2500 rpm and the ceramic headers were orange. Since these were used headers in ok shape I wasn't going to shut down during break in and risk the wiping out the cam. I recall others having the same thing happen, did you have any effects from it? The temp never went over 200* although the heater didn't have any hot air either(stuck water valve or no vacuum)? Mechanical oil gauge I use for oil priming read 60 psi all the time.
BTW the headers were plumbed into Flowmaster 40's with flex pipe on the ground for break in purposes, they were screaming!!!!!
Gary


[Modified by gtr1999, 5:16 PM 10/6/2003]

Fevre

My rams horns where glowing when I did my first cam break in. :eek: I stopped and jetted the carb up a couple jets and it went away. With a fresh eng and a carb jetted for a smaller cam and manifolds you are probably running lean plus the fresh eng will give off more heat until broken in.

GTR1999

Chris the top half is new- heads,cams, RPM intake, but the carb is one that Lars rejetted for my 69 when I was planning on using it with the Xe268 cam and headers. He richened it up from the initial settings. I'll have to get the suspensions in then set it up to drive. I just wanted to get the cam broke in yesterday. I didn't hear anything out of the norm, so it should be set.
Gary

Fevre

:cool:

Corey_68

I'd check your timing. If the engine is severly retarded it can cause your headers to glow.

:cheers:

Duke94

Same thing happened to me. The Hookers were orange in 30 seconds! Turns out that my XE-262 cam wanted WAY more timing than the 12 degrees the book says. Cranked it up....runs great.

joeveto

The same thing happened to me. My timing was off. I just let it go until break-in was complete, and then adjusted timing. Near as I can tell, there were no ill effects.

GTR1999

Thanks guys, I know the timing is off. I just wanted to get the cam done so I just got it fired up and kept it going. Glad that you didn't have any damage done to the headers. I'll get back to it this weekend and see where it's at. I used the weights and springs in Lars dist kit so I have to check the advance with those too. The cam sounded pretty good form what I heard,hopefully it will run as good as it sounds :cool:
Gary

Edzred72

Yeah...I had that "red" set of Dynomax headers too. Mine was fuel starvation. I now have a "tick" in the valve train I can't locate. Adjusted the valves 3 X's since and it's still there. Running lean till they glow can burn an exhaust valve can't it???
Eddie

Fevre

Have you checked the header gaskets? Exhuast leaks there sound just like lifters/rockers ticking. I used a 2' section of fuel line as a stethescope to isolate one when I had a tick with my rams' horns. I also adj the rockers 3 or 4 times before I found out what was really wrong.

PRESSURERAT

I had this happen to me and turned out to be a lobe or two down on the new cam. whoops!

GTR1999

Gee, I think you guys are trying to get me to start second guess my work? :crazy: It idled fine after the 20 minutes engine temp never hit 200* but I do recall guys having cam problems with some of Comps cams a couple of years ago?? :rolleyes:
Gary

mrvette

A comment about breaking in engines/cams.....when I do that, the thermostat is left out and the radiator cap off.......

use the hose to keep water cool one way or another....if radiator is old, or fan is questionable....but with no stat and open top this simplifies the process tremendously.....and don't ask just exactly how I know all this crap....

GENE