Okay so I have read all there is to read about changing my manifolds to headers on my 1994 Holiday Ramble RV with a Ford 460 and I am considering doing this, but as of right now I am hoping I fixed all my problems and wanted to run it passed you all to see what you think.

I was on the road and kept burning holes in my spark plug wires on the passenger side to find out I my exhaust manifold was leaking and the last person to fix this problem never put the heat shield back on. I was traveling up a mountain under load (Pulling a 5'x8' trailer) and a fire started with some hoses due to the manifold turning cherry red (Passenger Side Only). I pulled over and put it out and called AAA.

When inspecting it I noticed that the solenoid or the charcoal boxes had a hose that was burnt up so I replaced both. then took off the exhaust manifold and found out it is a very high quality version made with a ton of nickel in it so I had it milled and reinstalled it without a gasket with new FORD studs and bolts. I put on a new Heat shield and turned it on! It is not leaking.

Now I though I was done but called Ford just in case to fine out if they think I was good to go and they said NOPE! I was told the exhaust manifold was cherry red due to a clog in my catalytic converter. Well I don't have one. So they told me I had a smog pump instead which must be clogged and not moving the air properly. So I replaced the smog pump and checked the hoses. All good. Now since I was under the hood I decided to change the spark plugs and put in Bosch 4 prongers and new high temp wires. It seams to run great but I am nervous as hell that I will have a fire again.

I guess what I am asking is can anyone tell me if they have had the same problem before and what was the fix or do you think I took care of everything. I am a traveling country artist that tours constantly every year and I sold my bus for this RV to save money. I put on a lot of miles every weekend and have not taken this thing out since. Renting busses is getting to much again.

My idling temp on the manifold on the driver side is 550 degrees F and the passage side is 630 degrees F. Does this sound right?

Thanks in advanced for all your help and God bless you all!

JK