'Red' Hot Exhaust

[Colonel]

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.

[JBohannon]

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

[VWJoe]

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

[jimvette59]

Very lean mixture.

[Kevin - Illinois]

When this happened to me it was timing...

[Greg Jones]

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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?

[Hicktick]

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

[Domino]

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

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Forgive me, get a good manual, study, study, study, and get an overall understanding of the proper tuning of your Model A. They're not difficult to set up properly, just a little different. Find a knowledgeable mentor. Don't risk damaging the engine by improper tuning! Bill W.

[Preacher]

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.

[bogdonj]

Check timing and check for plugged exhaust

[mass A man]

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.

[Kevin - Illinois]

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

[1931 flamingo]

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

[sturgis 39]

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.

[Purdy Swoft]

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!!!!!!!

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

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!!!!!!!

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.

[Purdy Swoft]

Originally Posted by sturgis 39

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.

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.

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

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.

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

[MrTube]

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.