What does a burn header indicate about the engine? My K4.6 has a nasty burnt header. The entire thing is black and dented..

that depends on age,type of motor,age of header,condition of motor& car.we need alot more info or it will be a geussing game.

Sorry about that..

Its a HPI K4.6 Motor.. About a year old and 2-3 gallons through it.. Age of the header is the same age as the motor..

how is it geared(factory?)what type of wheels and tyres (bigger or smaller than stock),what nitro content do you use?what are the average run temps?

Factory geared.. Was running dirt bonz for most of the time.. Running blue thunder 20% race fuel.. I believe 10% oil content.. and average running temp is about 230-240..

well that sounds like normal operation to me,maybe some fuel or oil got on the header & cooked until it turned black.you can use denatured alcohal & a brass brush to clean it.good luck i hope this helps.

I have a burnt header on my F4.6, it was because one time i was in a rush and forgot to tighten down my cooling head. I am uprised that it even started. Anyway the fuel and oil was coming out of the top of my motor and coating the hot header causing it to burn.
Check your head screws and shims.

Check the gasket.