Where can I find an exhaust gas temperature gauge for my quad? This would help me greatly in fine tuning the jetting.

Also, what temp range should I be looking for on my Trail Blazer? What is optimal? I will be installing a pipe/filter/clutching kit on it in the next few days.

 

I'm pretty sure Hot Seat carries them.

www.hotseatperformance.com

 

You can get the gauge and probe from about any of the aftermarket companies. I got mine from Starting Line Products (SLP)for my 400 Scrambler. As for the temps, normally a max of 1150 to 1200F at wide open throttle would be what you would target, but this will vary with the engine and the location of the probe. I still don't have a good feel for what the temps should be on mine, especially at the part throttle points, so I would also be interested in hearing what the 400L should run.

Hope this helps,

Jason

 

summitracing.com and jegs.com have pyrometers for cars/trucks on there. They work well and help you notice problems before they get to bad. K&N,autometer, and edelbrock make an air/fuel ratio meter that works well too.

 

Starting Line products makes a nice guage. Thats what I use on my sled. The proper temperature depends how close to the "edge" you want to run. Also proper placement of the probe is important. I would jet it to start with so the maximum exhaust temp is around 1000 or 1100 degrees on a full throttle run. You can go higher but things happen fast in a combustion chamber. If it starts going into the 1100 to 1200+ range you have a little margin for error left. Also remember it is possible to "burn down" at midrange RPM too so you should check it at various partial throttle positions to determine if your needle is correct. If you get it too close to the edge you have to start worring about temperature changes and altitude changes and it takes away some of the fun if you need to stop and adjust things all the time.
One more thing. Start out with new spark plugs so you can pull them out and "read" them also.
Temp gauges are great "peace of mind" mods because they can warn you before causing engine damage from simple common things like dirt in your carb.

 

If you want tips on carb adjusting, spend the $20 and get Aaen's carb tuning handbook. More info there than you can shake a stick at. I got mine last week and it will take 3 or 4 readings to digest the info in there.
Here is what they say about exhaust probes. This pertains to the ones they sell, but I am sure the basics are the same with any brand.
First off, the probe needs to be located 8 to 10 inches from the exhaust port. If it is closer, it may actually read a little LOW. They recommend you simply drill a 3/16 inch hole at a convenient location 8 to 10 inches back from the port. The probe is mounted on a hose clamp, and is mounted by simply inserting the probe through the hole, and tightening the clamp around the pipe. Temperature should be from 1100 to 1300. Under 1100 is rich for the condition, over 1300 is asking for trouble. Subtract 200 to 300 degrees for partial load temperatures. Hope this helps.