I have been in the process this summer of restoring my 1985 GSL 12A. I have changed fuel, fuel filter, spark plugs, distributor cap & rotor, oil, antifreeze, and general cleaning of the engine compartment. So I got it started and it is running pretty good, maybe a little high on the idle but over all good. So as I get it up to temperature smoke starts coming up through the engine compartment and a look down to see that the pipe between the exhaust manifold and the 1st pre-monolith converter is glowing red hot. So I am looking for some advice, is this a pre ignition issue, timing issue or is something partial plugged in the exhaust system. I do have some back pressure coming out of the exhaust and it is running smoke free. thanks in advance.

 

i'm pretty sure that you've got a clogged cat. The only time my RB header glows is after a hard drive.

 

Never had anything glow on me. Been to a track day and still nothing. First check, is to look at your timing. If all is well, then time for a new cat, or a "test pipe" as others put it.

Good luck, if all fails, as more.

 

Either the timing is severely retarded, or you lost your leading ignition. You're lucky, easy fix either way.


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clogged cat

 

Running lean, timing is out, clogged cat. Could be anywhere from one to all three.
Good luck