No power and header getting red hot

[dgeorge]

I've got a 94 ranger 2.3L with 5sp, I have recently rebuilt the head (had a couple of burnt valves), replaced the crank position sensor and various other components as well as a new catalytic converter. Recently the truck is acting like it has no power at all (have to shift all the way down to first to get up a small hill). Drove the truck to work about 15 miles, one day last week to pick up some stuff, and when I got to work it was smoking at the firewall. I opened the hood and the exhaust header was cherry red. I thought maybe something was wrong with the new catalytic converter that I had put on. I replaced it with a straight pipe yesterday to test my theory. Took it for a test drive and there was no change at all. Anyone have any idea what would be causing the exhaust to overheat like that? and what could be causing the loss of power and are the 2 related?

 

[Dave R]

Yes, the two are related.

Generally, the cause would be no spark advance. Did you leave out the SPOUT connector? Another possible cause is either way too lean or too rich of a fuel mixture, though too lean wiil usually cause the engine to overheat as well.

 

[AllanD]

incorrect cam timing (one tooth off) will do the same thing

But retarded ignition timing is more likely.

AD