jd
Headers and the starter motor
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Headers and the starter motor
I remember hearing something about how exhaust headers oftentimes cause the starter motors to fail frequently - as in a lot. Why is that, my understanding is that it is heat related, but why are headers so much hotter than stock exhaust ports?
Another question, would the exhaust system on a 2000 Ranger be totally incompatible with a custom exhaust system? Would the computer have to be re-calibrated?
Another question, would the exhaust system on a 2000 Ranger be totally incompatible with a custom exhaust system? Would the computer have to be re-calibrated?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
I have never tried running headers on a ranger, but I have on other FI vehicles and never had a problem with the computor or oxygen sensors.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
Likes: 0
The headers helped the topend, where the 4.0 was lacking, it's tuned for mid range power, but the bama chips programer made the headers and other mods come alive. If you only do 1 mod to your truck, it should be the bama. It's the one mod that you can really feel the difference, even on a stock motor, it's money well spent. That was my 2 favorite mods, the bama, and headers, the catback makes it rumble, the intake makes it whoosh, but the headers gave it some topend power, and the bama gave it some seat of the pants power through out the entire rpm range, also saw some improvement in mpg, it depends on how much you romp it with the new found power ha ha. www.bama chips.com, you won't be sorry.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
How do those chip things work? Are you actually replacing the chips in the computer or simply reprogramming the system? I didn't see anything like that on the page except for a programming device.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
Likes: 0
It's a hand held programer, you plug it into your computer port, push a few buttons and your done, it takes about 5 minutes. Chips are becomming a thing of the past, programers allow you to do so much more compared to a chip, like correct speedo when changing gears or tires, down load new programs. It's not complicated, the programer asks you a few questions, you push the yes, or no buttons, and call it a day. it's that simple, just as easy to return it back to stock.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 0
Headers do radiate more heat into the engine compartment than stock cast manifolds. They have more surface area and transfer the heat of the exhaust more readily due to the thinner material.
Older starters had problems with heat soaking, which in turn would significantly increase the amount of current required to turn the starter. Smaller mini-starters, which use gear reduction to provide a greater amount of starting torque in a smaller package, avoid this obviously through their smaller size, which keeps them further away from the headers and also because the permanent magnet design requires less power to turn in the first place.
If your truck already has a mini-starter, then there's probably no need to worry.
Older starters had problems with heat soaking, which in turn would significantly increase the amount of current required to turn the starter. Smaller mini-starters, which use gear reduction to provide a greater amount of starting torque in a smaller package, avoid this obviously through their smaller size, which keeps them further away from the headers and also because the permanent magnet design requires less power to turn in the first place.
If your truck already has a mini-starter, then there's probably no need to worry.