to night i was riding my 2002 quadrunner 500 4x4, when i noticed it wasnt sounding right. when i came to a stop, it idled, and 6 inch flames were coming out the muffler, definitely not normal. i turned it off and let it cool down. i was runnin it pretty hard. but, the overheat light didnt come on. it is a cold night and i didnt really waRM IT UP BEFORE I STArted riding. I noticed (this may have occured before too) the header was red- hot. (my friend's does this as well) is this normal?? what could be the cause of this?

(sorry for the long thread)

 

You may need bigger jets.

 

but everything is stock...

 

It may be running lean. Check the jets.

 

leave it alone, almost all quads will have the header glow during the winter..... dont worry about it

 

Cooler plug....?

 

Its running a bit lean, due to the colder temps. If you were to pull on the choke, and ride it bit more, the pipe would cool down, and stop glowing. Try it.
Another temporary fix ( becuase its a pain to rejet when its cold), is to cover the snorkle inlet, with duct tape, about 25% closed. This will make for richer mixtures. Most manufacturers jet for normal riding, and they figure no one rides when its cold out. So they jet for warmer weather. Its very common on street bikes , on a cold night for the header pipes to glow.
The 6 inch flame is caused by the crap (carbon and oil residue) inside your pipe burning off, from the high temperatures.
Is it possible you have an intake leak? Check the tightness of the intake system...this could be causing the lean condition or making it worse.

Spark plug wont do a thing...spark plugs only absorb heat, they dont produce any.

 

if i were to get that dial a jet would i solve this problem, while gaining power and other benefits?