'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

After checking the ignition system and installing a rebuilt carb, the A started right up. Then two things happened... First, the car would not go faster than 25 mph even at full throttle and second, the exhaust manifold and muffler turned red hot... yes red in color. When I shut the car off, smoke came out of the back of the carb and the muffler popped. What do you think? Is the patient in serious condition?

I was planning to take this car on a mini-vacation this weekend and was hoping to fix the problem quickly. Now I am not sure if that's a good idea.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

I am a newbie but I am pretty sure your timing is retarded.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Sounds lke its running with the timing retarded or the fuel mix is very
lean:confused::confused:

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Very lean mixture.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

When this happened to me it was timing...

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Do you advance the spark lever? Did you disconnect and then forget to reconnect the spark linkage? I did that once, after being in a hurry. That will heat up your engine big-time. Is your timing set right, i.e. with the pin in the timing cover and so forth?

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Unhook your exhaust pipe and try it your muffler could be stopped up .

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Timing problem - time it properly. Aometimes it takes several attempts.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

I agree with the others on late timing. Remember that when timing, the distributor shaft turns COUNTER-CLOCKWISE and set the cam to fire #1 just as the points open.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Check timing and check for plugged exhaust

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

I agree with Bill, Get a reprint Ford owner's manual for your Model A, They're only about 8 or 9 bucks, study it and you'll have everything to reference driving and maintaining your "A". Save up and later buy one of the larger, more in-depth repair/overhaul books. They're around 39.00 bucks.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Same thing happened to me when I had the timing off. It warped my manifold to the point that I bought a new one.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

As others have stated, most likely timing and/or plugged exhaust.
Paul in CT

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Sorry about your mini vacation plans. I always thought timing a Model"A" was really easy. No timing light required. Be sure the spark lever is retarded before you start the timing procedure.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Trying to set the timing by the points is where most mess up. Setting the timing is the most important thing that a person needs to know how to do if they own a model A!!!!!!!

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Please explain your comment. I am confused.

A new carburetor was installed. This could be a lean mixture and no speed.
Timing, plugged exhaust and retarded timing are the things that i would check.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

It is possible if the float was set so low that it wasn't letting enough gas in the bowl, It would backfire and get hotter. I don't believe that closeing the GAV woulh have such a dramatic and sudden effect. He checked the ignition. Here is what I think happened. He got the timing pin in place with the spark retarded, he then losened the cam screw and rotated the points cam counter clockwise untill the points just started to open and then tightened the cam screw, leaving clockwise backlash in the shaft. This is what usually happens. Trying to set the timing by the points is a very bad way to set the timing.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

I am still confused. How would you set the timing?

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

I know there has been many responses already but my opinion is lean mixture is doubtful. I would guess retarded timing or leaky exhaust valve(s) when dealing with excessively hot exhaust.

I'm sure others would agree that it is difficult to diagnose via forum. Much easier when you can hear, feel and smell things.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

When my car was incorrectly timed, I could barely go around a block over 30 mph, it would stall and the engine heated up extremely fast.
It sounds like the same issues you are having.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Like Purdy said,
NOTHING, NO, NOTHING, can be corrected or diagnosed or set up to run properly if the timing is not right!!
Timing is like the the heartbeat of the engine, that's where everything originates! YOU GOTTA' HAVE CORRECT TIMING!! Bill W.

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

How to set timing http://www.abarnyard.com/workshop/timing.htm

Re: 'Red' Hot Exhaust
 

Being as you ask, here is how I set mine. I use a mechanical method that doesn't require watching the points. I don't see any reason to make the process of setting the timing more complicated..

I will try and first give a little insight. There will be backlash in the distributor shaft Unless everything is new from the camshaft to the upper distributor shaft. What I mean when I say backlash, is rotational slack. When the engine is running the distributor turns in the counter clockwise direction. The distributor shaft and cam rides on the clockwise end of the backlash and you don't want clockwise backlash when the cam screw is tightened.

When the timing mark is found with the timing pin, I set the trailing edge of the rotor tip (rear edge) so it is pointing directly at the number one plug wire contact in the distributor cap body, with no clockwise backlash when the cam screw is tightened. Backlash in the counter clockwise direction will not effect the timing. Remember the trailing edge of the rotor tip with NO clockwise backlash or your timing will be retarded to whatever degree or amount of backlash remains. I would also check and set the points gap. Too little points gap retardes the timing. I set mine at .022 but anything from .018 to .022 will work.

This method gives the most advanced timing that will run without starter kickback. It will idle down and chick ah lunk with the spark lever retarded and have crisp throttle response with the spark advanced. Of coarse the engine needs to warm up for optimum idle either way. I can also hand crank my cars with the spark fully retarded without fear of kickback but you are on your own there. I hope this answers your question .