exhaust temp issue ???

[824slugger]

I pulled the valve covers yesturday finding the lash settings out so made the adjustments 12 and 18 and then checked temps at the manifolds passenger side hotter than drivers. re-checked settings and no change. #5 is the highest at idle showing 385 and when run around the block 580+!! drivers side is 290 at idle and 390-400 after the run around the block.hmmmmmm?

[Foley]

I don't know what the average operating temps should be, but I do know that #5 is at the rear of the block, and older engines tend to have hotter cylinders at the rear of the block as water circulation is cut way down by scale and rust building up over the years. How long since the engine was apart for a block boil out, or at the least a heavy duty flush of the cooling system?

[824slugger]

Not sure it has ever been done!!! I just bought it but from the condition of the oil,coolant,leaks,etc. it is a safe bet that it has not been done in the last 10 years at least, if ever.I have changed the oil/filter,pulled the rad to fix a leak and installed it with 50/50 mix,adjusted the valves which were way out,but that is it up to this point.

[Buffalo]

just a thought, if the spring operated dampner is still mounted beneath the exhaust manifold (between manifold and exhaust pipe)it could be stuck in the closed position, this would make for a higher temp on the passenger side manifold.
good luck...

[Rockdriller]

What Buffalo said......

I'm sure that if you get in there and work that damper up and down it will free up ....if nothing else, you should be able to get it to open back up for ya...even if it sticks back in the open position...that'll be better than closed. Along with relieving the heat problem, you should realize a little better overall performance.