bad svt problems!!!HELPPP

[02svtf1326]

Ok just today I went to start my 2002 SVT Focus and it took quite a bit of turning over to finally start but it finally did. I let it run for awhile (prob around 5-10 mins) I then noticed that the header was getting really hot as in glowing orange hot. The coolant hoses around the header were smoking a little bit! I then shut the car off till I had to move it out of my driveway (it was still hard to start). Any suggestions as to what is wrong would be much appreciated! Thanks

[Sponsor]

[1turbofocus]

I would need more info

How did it run when you had it running

Have you checked the water level

are the fans coming on when the engine gets hot

Tom

[Dads03SVT]

Last time i seen a post of this nature the cat was clogged...

[02svtf1326]

It ran fine and started up easy until the alternator went. I just replaced it and got everything back together and it was hard to start.. it has to turn over for about 5 seconds. I heard something about the vct solenoid going bad and causing this?

[02svtf1326]

Originally Posted by 1turbofocus

I would need more info

How did it run when you had it running

Have you checked the water level

are the fans coming on when the engine gets hot

Tom

Its never gotten hot. Well the fluids at least. But the header gets glowing freaking hot just at idle

[paulj6567]

Sounds like a clogged cat

[1turbofocus]

A 100% clogged CAT would still let the engine start normal , it just wouldnt have any power taking off and would run poorly

Tom

[02svtf1326]

Originally Posted by 1turbofocus

A 100% clogged CAT would still let the engine start normal , it just wouldnt have any power taking off and would run poorly

Tom

So I'm going to put my money on the vct solenoid!! Thanks guys!!

[02svtf1326]

Ok guys.... changed out the vct solenoid...went to start it up and the same thing happened..it turns over for a good 10 seconds then starts almost like its carburated ...and the header still got hot rly fast and glowed again... I'm lost on what it could be! If the block was cracked would it do this? What else would cause this?

[tukaniSVT]

did you check the Cat?? I read you checked the VCT Solenoid, but the people here are suggesting you check your Cat.

Maybe, you should check that. Take it a muffler shop if you want them to check it.

Or if you have an OBDII Reader, unplug your cat and run your car for a couple of minutes. IT WILL BE LOUD ... but if the headers don't turn red, and all you get is the 2nd O2 sensor issue, then it's your cat.

And the code for the O2 sensor would be because you would be doing this test with out the cat in.

Ray