The Ford Barn

KCW · 05-22-2025, 05:15 PM

Hi everyone,

I’ve posted in this before but I’m hoping for a little more clarity on what exactly is happening with my 26 T.

A few months ago I noticed when I was done driving that my exhaust manifold was glowing red hot like lava, even if after a short drive. I posted in this a was give advice that I am running the engine too lean. In trouble shooting this the Bendix on my starter broke! It took a while to fix but I finally got it working today.

I noticed within about two minutes of running in my garage that the exhaust was starting to glow red hot. Since I’ve got the floor boards out I could see more of the exhaust pipe and it seems that a long portion of it was getting red hot.

Why is this happening? This never happened before. Are there some other ways of trouble shooting this? I’m particularly worried because the exhaust run right underneath the gas tank.

I’m an amateur at making repairs, but am learning slowly as I dig into trying to solve some of these problems on my own (with help from sole local experts as well). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

KCW · 05-22-2025, 05:18 PM

Tried to post a video but couldn’t. Here is a still however.

J Franklin · 05-22-2025, 06:35 PM

It is probably running too retarded. Try advancing the timing.

KCW · 05-22-2025, 07:03 PM

I’ve tried this - no change. Stills glows! Also, this seems to be a new problem, I’ve had the car for years and it only just now started doing this.

J Franklin · 05-23-2025, 12:09 AM

Have you advanced it until it almost kicks back with the lever in the full retard position? That requires bending the rod going to the timer. Are you certain it isn't running too lean or maybe has a manifold leak?

mercman from oz · 05-23-2025, 12:25 AM

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26 T exhaust turning red hot - KCW

Kurt in NJ · 05-23-2025, 12:28 AM

A intake manifold leak caused it on my T
Timing too retarded, mixture too lean also causes it
A valve not seating or sticking some
Has the retarded position been set to piston position?
Are you running on magneto power or battery power?

jimTN · 05-24-2025, 07:20 AM

Just advance the spark

jimvette59 · 05-24-2025, 09:31 AM

Running to lean. jmo

rotorwrench · 05-24-2025, 03:35 PM

Also make sure there is no obstruction in the exhaust.

redmodelt · 05-29-2025, 01:32 PM

I too would say running way too lean. Sounds weird but a little unburnt fuel help cool the exhaust when it exits the valve.
Richen up the mixture.

05-22-2025, 05:15 PM	#1
KCW Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 76	26 T exhaust turning red hot Hi everyone, I’ve posted in this before but I’m hoping for a little more clarity on what exactly is happening with my 26 T. A few months ago I noticed when I was done driving that my exhaust manifold was glowing red hot like lava, even if after a short drive. I posted in this a was give advice that I am running the engine too lean. In trouble shooting this the Bendix on my starter broke! It took a while to fix but I finally got it working today. I noticed within about two minutes of running in my garage that the exhaust was starting to glow red hot. Since I’ve got the floor boards out I could see more of the exhaust pipe and it seems that a long portion of it was getting red hot. Why is this happening? This never happened before. Are there some other ways of trouble shooting this? I’m particularly worried because the exhaust run right underneath the gas tank. I’m an amateur at making repairs, but am learning slowly as I dig into trying to solve some of these problems on my own (with help from sole local experts as well). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

05-22-2025, 06:35 PM	#3
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,581	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot It is probably running too retarded. Try advancing the timing.

05-22-2025, 07:03 PM	#4
KCW Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 76	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot I’ve tried this - no change. Stills glows! Also, this seems to be a new problem, I’ve had the car for years and it only just now started doing this.

05-23-2025, 12:09 AM	#5
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,581	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot Have you advanced it until it almost kicks back with the lever in the full retard position? That requires bending the rod going to the timer. Are you certain it isn't running too lean or maybe has a manifold leak?

05-23-2025, 12:25 AM	#6
mercman from oz Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 12,568	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) 26 T exhaust turning red hot - KCW

05-23-2025, 12:28 AM	#7
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,672	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot A intake manifold leak caused it on my T Timing too retarded, mixture too lean also causes it A valve not seating or sticking some Has the retarded position been set to piston position? Are you running on magneto power or battery power?

05-24-2025, 07:20 AM	#8
jimTN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Powell, TN Posts: 2,645	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot Just advance the spark

05-24-2025, 09:31 AM	#9
jimvette59 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Perry OH Posts: 1,370	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot Running to lean. jmo

05-24-2025, 03:35 PM	#10
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 18,006	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot Also make sure there is no obstruction in the exhaust.

05-29-2025, 01:32 PM	#11
redmodelt Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Portland OR Posts: 6,458	Re: 26 T exhaust turning red hot I too would say running way too lean. Sounds weird but a little unburnt fuel help cool the exhaust when it exits the valve. Richen up the mixture. __________________ I know the voices aren't real but damn they have some good ideas!