Open headers/zoomie pipes? Bad for valves? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

don-vee · #1 05-13-2010, 01:37 AM

So, I am putting together my little diesel hot rod, got my basic 240D (non-turbo) engine ready to go. I was planning on welding up some open headers for this thing, kinda like zoomie pipes sticking out the side. However, I mentioned this idea and one guy said it's a bad idea to run open exhaust with a diesel, it'll burn the exhaust valves. True or BS? I don't know the guy, so I don't know what kind of knowledge he has. I personally don't see how, and I have seen plenty of drag guys running other diesels with open headers. So, can this cause damage? Or is this just a tale?

t walgamuth · #2 05-13-2010, 05:11 AM

I don't think it will hurt your valves. It won't help your car perform better either, though.

LUVMBDiesels · #3 05-13-2010, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I don't think it will hurt your valves. It won't help your car perform better either, though.

Yeah, but it will sound cool though!

#4 05-13-2010, 07:48 AM

Making a non common rail diesel breathe better does NOTHING! Power is controlled by fuel volume, period. All you will do is wake up the neighbors and draw attention from the local gendarme.

don-vee · #5 05-13-2010, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryBible

Making a non common rail diesel breathe better does NOTHING! Power is controlled by fuel volume, period. All you will do is wake up the neighbors and draw attention from the local gendarme.

Mission accomplished!!! That's all I'm after, sound and looks. If I wanted to go faster, I'd choose a different powerplant than a 4 cylinder diesel!

69shovlhed · #6 05-13-2010, 11:01 PM

can we get a pic of this hot rod?

OldPokey · #7 05-14-2010, 05:36 PM

I was in a muffler shop not far from Wilkes-Barre once. One of the locals complained to the owner about the work he had done on his truck. It was so loud, you could hear it from a block away, and when it was in the parking lot it was stupid. His complaint? "Kin yew make it LOUDER?"

don-vee · #8 05-16-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69shovlhed

can we get a pic of this hot rod?

Right now it's just pieces laying around. I'll definitely be posting pics of the build!

Matt L · #9 05-16-2010, 07:00 PM

I have heard that in the winter, you can harm an exhaust valve when you shut down the engine and cold air is pulled from outside into the cylinder through an open valve.

Never had a problem with my H-D and open pipes though, and I did ride it in cold weather, but really not below about 15F. Your hands hardly survive at that temperature on the highway.

As Larry said, you won't get any more power, but I didn't get much more power with the open pipes on the Shovel.

69shovlhed · #10 05-17-2010, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt L

I have heard that in the winter, you can harm an exhaust valve when you shut down the engine and cold air is pulled from outside into the cylinder through an open valve.

Never had a problem with my H-D and open pipes though, and I did ride it in cold weather, but really not below about 15F. Your hands hardly survive at that temperature on the highway.

As Larry said, you won't get any more power, but I didn't get much more power with the open pipes on the Shovel.

i had open drags on my shovel, and it made my whole head ring after a long ride. i had to put baffles in it. maybe i'm just a wimp, but it was horrible. still sets off car alarms though.