Header Pipe Glowing

CleverName · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Dallas, Texas

Help needed... I got my bike back from the slow as Christmas mechanic and I put about 20 miles on it during a shake down run. The bike seemed to run great but tonight while making sure my newly installed tail/brake light and switch were working properly in my dark garage my header pipe began to glow red after just a few minutes. It cooled and wasn't red rather quickly but I am still a little iffy about this. Especially given I am due to ride in the morning.

My experience with car engines is that when an exhaust manifold gets that hot it is a timing issue and/or fuel mixture issue. As in running too rich and the unburned fuel is the source of the glow. If the timing was off I'd expect the thing to run poorly and it was strong. I only did an eyeball test for fuel mixture by revving to see if any black smoke came from the thing. There was a little but not much.

Where is the fuel mixture screw on one of these and which way to lean it out if in fact it is running rich.

Any help is appreciated since I would like some peace of mind before hopping on the thing at 9am.

Thank you.

CalledFollower · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject:

I've seen this before, I don't think it is to much to worry about. The bike was sitting still, and had no air moving to help cool the exhaust either. I also think it is more noticable in aftermarket exhausts.

paul turner · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:14 pm Post subject:

You are a bit on the lean side. Don't make a habit of prolonged idle. This occurance is normal, and during the daylight the same red glow is happening but you can't see it. You will know when the bike is running way too hot by the extreme heat felt on your right leg eminating from the header and radiator.
The fuel screw is located in the front of the fuel bowl, cylinder side. CW for lean, and CCW for richer.

paul
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Ernie Pezz · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:23 pm Post subject:

Ernie Pezz · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:26 pm Post subject:

I feel kinda like a poser posting, now that I don't have my bike anymore!! After I get the Chevelle built, and get my knee fixed, I'll get another bike, you can bet on it.
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Small enough cry babies?

paul turner · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:32 am Post subject:

nminus1 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:57 am Post subject:

HONDARACER · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 168 Location: Kamloops BC Canada

Linky to the chainsaw forum please. I just bought a new Poo-lan and have started modding it already.
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I'm a Honda racer and I go real fast
I got a cute bike and it really hauls azz
If you see me on the trail, well you better stay back
Cause I'm a Honda racer!

2005 Honda CRF450 X
STREET LEGAL NOW!!!!!

HONDARACER · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Posts: 168 Location: Kamloops BC Canada

Oh and my 05 pipe glows like Rudolfs nose on Christmas. All I have done is a bafflectomy.
_________________
I'm a Honda racer and I go real fast
I got a cute bike and it really hauls azz
If you see me on the trail, well you better stay back
Cause I'm a Honda racer!

2005 Honda CRF450 X
STREET LEGAL NOW!!!!!

Kap · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:44 pm Post subject:

yank the baffle
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05 450x
04 CR 250

CleverName · Joined: 07 Sep 2009 Posts: 8 Location: Dallas, Texas

Thanks for the info Paul. As I mentioned it ran great on my shake down run but since it is new to me I figured I'd ask. My previous experience with bikes were of the two stroke variety and too many years ago to admit. I did take the bike out and rode it for about 40 miles. It ran like a champ all day. I'll take a look at running it a bit richer.