Hi guys
looking for some expert advice. Just replaced the head gasket on M20 ( circa 1950) plunger series.... starts well and seems to run ok but after only a few minutes the exhaust is glowing red hot and I mean RED HOT!!... I assume its mixture though not sure if it is too lean or rich and seems to have started happening simply by changing the gasket...
Any thoughts appreciated... am a first time M20 owner..
cheers

email (option): d.holden@shackletoncapital.com

Hello Davo.

Could usually be too lean carb mixture or very retarded spark timing. (check the lever and cable)

Noam.

email (option): noam10@gmail.com

thanks for that .. timing seems ok so will re adjust the carb mixture
cheers

email (option): d.holden@shackletoncapital.com

Hi Davo..If you are using a standard 'composite' head gasket (as opposed to a better solid copper one) it is worth taking a look at the 'technical section' of this website for fitting and torque figure information...Ian

It has to be timing to get red hot. If it was that lean, it wouldn't run! Otherwise your muffler might be blocked.

Douglas may well be right...you need to be 100% sure the timing is correctly set and is not retarded.
Timing should be set at 7/16" BTDC with the points just opening and the adv/rtd lever set in the fully advanced position.(also check to determine whether you have a 'tight wire' or 'slack wire adv/rtd set up fitted.)..Ian

Red hot exhaust can also be caused by air infiltration in the exhaust track. How the air infiltrates would be for you to determine (after you've confirmed timing and mixture).

email (option): jonny.rudge@verizon.net

excellent advice...was timing after all.. thanks heaps

email (option): d.holden@shackletoncapital.com