interesting muffler weekend

[TomJohnston]

First off, I'm not an accomplished mechanic and second I don't have the tools to do much.

anyway I bravely dove into replacing the ancient muffler that was hanging from the truck. Finally, it got done after more hours than I will admit. Now a couple of questions: The new manifold tube on the passenger side is riding against the starter on one side and the fuel line on the other. It seems tighter than I am comfortable with, should I worry about it?

Second, the funny thing is the truck now starts much easier than before. It used to be gas starved I think, it took several pumps on the accelerator to get it going. Now it fires right up.

[rsavage]

I would not have an exhaust pipe, if that is what you are saying, touching either the starter or a fuel line-especially the fuel line. Are you sure that it is not up against the automatic transmission cooler lines? In any case, you need to make some clearance.

[capev86]

how about blowing up a perfectly good muffler?

i wasn't planning to invest in a new exhaust yet (was hoping to go with the magnaflow x-pipe system in a couple years) but now i gotta do something 'cause i had the distributor at 180 from power stroke top dead center and the power lead on the negative stud on the coil. truck backfired like a 24 pounder long gun on the uss constitution and my dad and i both thought we were dead for a second. anway....it popped both ends open on the muffler like a big beer can under pressure!!!