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Spitfire Spitfire Catalytic Converter Question

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CaptDon01

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I had the bonnett up this evening on my 80 Spitfire 1500 adjusting the idle and I noticed the top 1/3 portion of the catalytic converter had a slight red glow to it. I know these things run VERY hot, but is it normal to glow slightly red? (can't see it glowing in the day light) I may still be running slightly rich, she will have a slight back fire noise when up shifting. The idle is MUCH better now thanks to a stong dose of Sea Foam in the tank. (this is the second tank I've put in her since I bought her and I run the tank fairly low before I refilled it and I run 2 cans of Sea Foam per tank). The heavy dose of Sea Foam might also account for the glowing red color of the catalytic converter.

By the way, the weather has been UNBELIEVABLE here in the Kansas City area! It was 65 degrees yesterday afternoon when I got off work, so I took the Spitfire on a nice 80 mile trip out in the country. Had the top down, cruising, and the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour CD jaming!

Don
 
In my experience hot means lean. But it could mean its clogged as well. The backfire tells me that it might be too lean.

Adam H.
____________________________________________________________
1972 Triumph Spitfire.
 
A backfire usually means a lean condition.

I'd run the car without the additive for a couple of tankfulls and the look at the converter again. The Sea-Foam MAY be leaning out the mixture enough to make it glow...
 
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