so i got my 383 stroker motor running in my 1991 c1500. cranked right up and i started with the cam break in running the motor at 2000 rpms for about 20 min. After about 5 mins the headers got red hot so we shut it off and began to check everything. Everything seemed ok except it wouldn't idle. So i adjusted my timing and got the motor to idle. Resumed the breakin for the cam and headers got red again (just not near as much). We shut it down again and i started looking online and saw this is a common issue. Cam is broke in now (i hope), and i'm just wondering if anyone out there has built a motor and had the same issue. Headers aren't anything special, bought them off ebay. Anyone know what might cause this other than timing being to retarded, or mixture too lean? I have a mild crane cam and am running some vortec heads that have had a little work done to them (valve job and pocket ported). I have an Edelbrock 750 carb with electric choke. I still need a few more things before i can get the truck out on the road but i just wanted some opinions because i don't want to mess anything up. The glow was consistant on both headers and all tubes. I read where one guy said when his motors do this when he breaks them in he knows everything is just right (sounds crazy) but this is my first motor build up and i don't want to screw up now. So just give me yalls opinion and tell me if you need more info.

 

It's running way too lean. Good way to fry your rings/pistons during break in.

 

is this an ls motor?

 

no its not an ls motor. we adjusted the carb now n got it where it needs 2 be.... all seems well thanks guys

 

Late ignition timing, & from what some may think, its not a lean condition, its accually late timing with raw fuel entering the headers & reburning causeing the glow as the headers heat up, this is a common problem with break-ins, with the increase in RPMs at a stand still, the engine will get hot if the timing is slow, always make sure you have as much int. timing as possible during break-in.

 

thanks for the info, got a timing light and got it set and now its fine. going to do some fine tuning on the carb too. my battery has a dead cell so i have to get a new one (one thing after another i swear). i just can't wait to get this thing on the road again.