I was getting ready to go out last night, and while I was letting the bike warm up I noticed a couple inches of the headers were glowing red.  Hopefully this is a new problem. I did search and found some useful threads, the most common causes are 1.exhaust not on correctly, 2.running lean, 3.exhaust valves need adjusting and 4. oil pump/lines not working correctly.  1.Based on my spark plugs I 'm not running lean and as far as I know every things stock, but I'm not 100%.  2. I haven't messed with the exhaust.  3.  I have about 400 miles before valve adjustment due. How do I test the oil lines/pump?

I went out today to look around see what I could.  My SP seem normal.  The header bolts seem tight.  I turn the key to on, put the choke on and hit the starter, the glowing starts in 57 sec. I timed it.  First the right header then the left. 

What else could cause the glowing headers? 

And just to really screw me even more,  my bike is my only transportation I'll need $$ to fix it and I lost my job awhile ago and have no $$ coming in.

It's #2 for sure.  Set your idle mixture screws correctly.  If I'm wrong I'll give you a Buddha modified Kat stem that fits a GS500!!!!    

Quote from: ineedanap on September 19, 2009, 08:58:09 PM
It's #2 for sure.  Set your idle mixture screws correctly.  If I'm wrong I'll give you a Buddha modified Kat stem that fits a GS500!!!!    

Thanks

I will take that bet.

So I searched and see where and how to adjust the mix but how many turns?  Most threads are about rejetting and Im not doing that.  Do I want to turn the screw in or out?  Do I just guess or is there a specific amount of turns.

Ive read the poor mans rejetting pics I figure I just follow those directions right?

Wow, how long do you let it idle ?

How's your compression? I'm working on the idea that if the exhaust valves are leaking, then burning combustion gases might be flowing out into the pipes. If compression is OK then it sounds like your idle mixture is out. Does it idle reliably at correct rpms?

Quote from: socialDK on September 21, 2009, 12:22:48 PM
I will take that bet.

So I searched and see where and how to adjust the mix but how many turns?  Most threads are about rejetting and Im not doing that.  Do I want to turn the screw in or out?  Do I just guess or is there a specific amount of turns.

Ive read the poor mans rejetting pics I figure I just follow those directions right?

since I have parts on the line, I better get you all the help you can get.  

Poor mans jetting will work.  Here's another post that had some info.  

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=46620.0

Quote from: ohgood on September 21, 2009, 12:49:42 PM
Wow, how long do you let it idle ?

Ohhh man for some reason I remember reading that warm up time is about 2 mins then take it easy on the road for short time.  I dont usually let it go that long but still.  Could excessive high idle (3-4500 for a min or 2) cause the glowing?

To answer the mole

I dont have a compression tool but I can probably rent one.

high idle should be 1600-1800 rpm. yes 3000 rpm for 1 minute and no airflow will over heat lots of stuff including the pipes.