Starting issue

[FOXxX]

So actually reading the instruction booklet from the AFR Meter - My engine is running as it should. during closed loop it will swing from rich to lean to keep down emissions. Open loop will be rich and hard decel extra lean. I think the engine is running fine the way it is. The only other issue is the glowing headers - which I think I can attribute to them being stainless steel and somewhat cheap ( found here http://motionoffroad.com/catalog/index. ... ucts_id=40 ). I still have the crimpped factory downpipe that I havent solved and will do so soon.

I did notice that when I put my stock injectors on the closed loop portion would drop really lean and not as rich as the 24lb injectors - It showed normal condition none the less.

[SilverXJ]

The headers really shouldn't glow at idle. If you were doing a cam break in, yes, but not so much at a regular idle.

[FOXxX]

I too agree the headers should not be glowing - here is what I've done.

Checked the degree on the cam 106 - 107 per degree card
Timing : checked at least 10 times - the last thing I can do is do a compression test on Cyl 1 to verify TDC
swapped out injectors - no significant increase or decrease in lumens on the header glow.

Last things to check is O2 sensor (which appears to be reading just fine judging on how the pcm reacts in closed and open loops).
Fix the crimped downpipe - was told that excessive heat build-up at the headers is a result from the restriction
double check the cat converter is not clogged - OEM from 1994.
Other than all of that - I am CLUELESS!

[FOXxX]

Alright - so I came in this evening - beer, propane for heat, and an attitude I was going to get to the bottom of this issue. I have to say from the first post to this one - I've nailed a few issues and corrected a lot of the starting problems. i feel much better about the way the motor is running now than I have since I installed the sob! So:

I re-installed the 24lb injectors - installed the new coil - and re-gapped the spark plugs to .055. The engine took a try or two to fire up but once running the AFR meter acted a lot more stable in verifying closed loop and open. It didnt seem so spurattic and had more of a rhythm to its readings. I am pleased with these results so far. The header glow is still present and again with no change to the lumens it puts out. The header only glows down to where the collector is and that has been the constant. So I feel like it has something to do with the exhaust being restricted at the crimp in the downpipe. So now I am going to make a final purchase and order a new set of headers with a downpipe since I cannot find a downpipe anywhere - before I do that I am going to see if the muffler shop can do something about it first. I will keep you updated as to how these results go.

[4.whoa]

You might try and disconnect the exhaust at the downpipe or the cat and see if it still glows(being its at idle) I don't really see the crimp in the downpipe doing that,cause we'd all have that problem. If it still glows like that,then you know its definitely a mixture/ timing issue ,without spending $ on the pipe that may or may not be it

[FOXxX]

Alright - when you think you have it right and everything is wrong then there is something you didnt pay attention too. With that said...

WOW - I love my engine. What a difference a tuned engine makes vs a slightly out of tuned engine.

So low and behold the dang thing was incorrectly indexed. I was searching and searching for an answer and then I ran across a similar thread that was described exactly like mine to a T. Contacted the author and voila - timing issue . So I will say the same thing as he - Listen to the old folks here on the forums. They know what they are talking about. Found out though that I have several holes in the distro that line up with the housing and I had to find the right one and eventually I found it. Wish I took pics so everyone else could see what the "toothpick" method was all about. But all in all - starting issue went away and so did the glowing of the headers. Engine is much more responsive and loves to run! I have 33's under my rig so I can only imagine what stock tires would feel like with the stroker! Thanks Silver and all those who helped me out!