BlackSunshine74

Hi,

Just had BBK L/T headers installed, now its smoking with this horrible smell.
If you look at the drivers side end if the header where it connects to the X pipe you can see a spot where the oil has come out. It is not a constant drip. What do I do? the car has 73,000 on it. I'm freaking out is it going to blow up if I drive it? it has a slight tick when I start it only for a min. I'm going to get rid of the Mobil 1 synthetic and go to a regular thicker oil.

Stevo86

Smoking after an exhaust install is normal for a little bit. When the tubes are mandrel bent they are filled with an oil that leaves a residue inside and out. Odds are it is burning off and that is what you are smelling. Also with long tube headers and I'm assuming no cats a little bit more white "smoke" which is actually just steam is normal on a day to day basis as the headers will attract more moisture. The new ticking sound is most likely the metal expanding and getting into shape. As it heats and cools over the next few weeks the flanges and tubes themselves will expand and contract until they have been through a sufficient number of heat cycles.

In other words, you're fine. If your car didn't have any mechanical issues before there is nothing a set of headers could do to hurt your valvetrain.

BlackSunshine74

I've put about 150 miles on it since the headers. The ticking started just before the header install. The smoke is dark in color and smokes the most on take off.

BlackSunshine74

Just pulled and inspected the plugs from the drivers side "side with header oil spot" all 4 with a nice light tan color. Dose not look like there is any sign of oil burning...