Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2001 20:39:25 -0800
Reply-To: Joel Sell <jsell@PHILA.K12.PA.US>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Joel Sell <jsell@PHILA.K12.PA.US>
Subject: S&S Header install and a ?
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Volks,
I installed the S&S header and muffler today (thanks Ken) on my '91 Carat.
I checked the archives before I did it and didn't find anyone saying they
ran into big problems. So I was pretty surprised when I did run into a
problem. Either the bend or the flange weld was off in the pipe coming out
of #4 cylinder, so off that It was not possible for me to get that one last
bolt in. I spent over an hour with a C-clamp, two jacks and some prybars.
No luck. I just couldn't get it in place long enough to get that bolt
threaded in there. I finally ended up taking the whole thing off, slipping
the # 4 pipe into the collection pipe, bolting it all up and then
installing the #2 pipe LAST. Taking the oil filter off helped alot, too. If
you buy or already have this header, you will see what I mean. The shape
and fit of the #2 pipe allowed for this. Got it all on and it was great.
Maybe my 150k engine has more pep, but I really can't tell. I didn't drive
it enough before now to really know.
Here's my question: When I started it up, right where #4 pipe bolts to the
head started smoking. I figured it was something that had gotten on the
pipe while I was taking it on and off, but after about 10 miles and 30
minutes of driving (rush hour in the city), the smoking stopped, but the
STENCH! Man, it stinks. Is this normal? I squirted all the bolts with PB
Blaster before I removed the old exhaust, but none of the other bolt areas
seem to be smoking. Any ideas?
Oh yeah, one more thing, last night part of my exhaust was already about to
fall off (that's why I ordered the header), and it did while I was out with
some friends. WOW. Mufflers really do a good job of keeping it quiet. I had
about 10 miles to drive home without the muffler on and I noticed my temp
needle running much lower than normal. Normal has been right at the red
light, but last night it was about one needle width below that. Could not
running with a muffler cause this?
Thanks list,
Joel
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