EGT/Header temps - 440 Chrysler?

[Dane]

This probably belongs in the "a little knowledge is dangerous" category

I got a deal on a Mastercool point and shoot laser thermometer a while back and was fooling around with it today while doing first startup break in on a new 440 Chrysler motor. I'm seeing 400-600F plus on the header tubes right at the head while doing the initial 20 minute at 2000 rpm flat tappet camshaft brake in period. The header tubes are not glowing and the motor sounds nice, but it made me wonder what EGTs are normal exiting the cylinder head with no load on the engine?

[Hnstray]

Well, I would think that is about right. I fly airplanes and they have EGT guages in order to facilitate setting the mixture correctly for a given operating condition.

In my experience, peak EGT for a normally aspirated engine at cruise power can easily reach 1200 F to 1300 F. Usually the mixture is adjusted to run the engine 'rich' of peak about 50 F or so. There is a debate about running 'lean' of peak......but that's another story.

I can't say I have paid attention to the EGT at idle power.......sorry!

Ray

[falcongeorge]

header tube temps will generally be higher during cam break-in, as you dont usually have the car sitting stationary and running at 2500rpm for an extended period with little or no airflow through the engine compartment.

[Dane]

I have 3 fans running on high and shut it down when head pipe temps get over 600. It now takes longer to get to 600F so the motor must be loosening up a bit. No extended running until it's rolling down the road with plenty of air flow.