Is my bike overheating? I see my headers turn red

[zoeed]

Hi all.. Here's the low down

I just got Led turn Signals for my s10. Just as the mechanic was done and I started the bike up, two things the mechanic pointed out.
First, the headers were very hot at even 180F... Hot enough that they were changing their color to slightly red... Has anyone experienced this? Is this normal for the s10?

Second the rpm is not stable between 1000-2000.. When you keep the throttle at one fixed position, the Rev needle bounces up and down +/- 200rpm... Can anyone concur that they have also come across this? Any remedies?

The mechanic plays it could be bad plugs or blocked injectors.... I'm okay with changing plugs... I got spares and it's a 2012 model so might as well have them changed and see... But injectors I'm not comfortable in fidgeting with unless I am 100% positive that they need to be fidgeted with.

Would love any kind of wisdom... I'm in a part of the world that does not have any certified mechanics of any manufacturers so this forum is all I have...

Grateful

 

[Ramseybella]

First off zoeed, welcome to the Forum!! ::004::

So is it like glowing red or just the metal turning a reddish color and did you look at the engine temp on the dash board?
Have you had this issue along with the idle issue before you had the turn signals installed or just after?
Have you used this Mechanic before?

 

[zoeed]

First off zoeed, welcome to the Forum!! ::004::

So is it like glowing red or just the metal turning a reddish color and did you look at the engine temp on the dash board?
Have you had this issue along with the idle issue before you had the turn signals installed or just after?
Have you used this Mechanic before?

Hey there. Thank you.

Well it started out as turning reddish colour... I wouldn't say glowing bright red, but it definitely changed colour to a near glowing red. It went back to its normal color within a few seconds of switching it off..
I never looked at the headers till the mechanic pointed it out... I guess it wasn't really evident till the mechanic brought it to my attention... He pointed out to the bouncy revs and then said that the headers should also change its color, which it did...

Idle stumble has been there since a few months now...
Recently I developed a technic which kept it from stumbling... What I do is simply hold the throttle at 1000rpm after ignition for a few seconds, gently releasing it as the bike finds its own breath.. Once that's done, the bike doesn't stumble till the next time I have to cycle the ignition...

The mechanic is reliable, been my go to guy since 8 years, so I don't question his integrity .

 

[Checkswrecks]

I've seen headers glow a dull red, so am not sure you have a problem. I'd suggest running it for at least 20 minutes (not just idling) and seeing what the spark plugs look like. Here's a quick reference if you've not done this, and apologies if you have.

(Our plugs are slightly different)

 

[zoeed]

I've seen headers glow a dull red, so am not sure you have a problem. I'd suggest running it for at least 20 minutes (not just idling) and seeing what the spark plugs look like. Here's a quick reference if you've not done this, and apologies if you have.

(Our plugs are slightly different)

Thanks for the picture reference... I will educate myself on this tomorrow when he changes the spark plugs... I am not going to be putting the plugs back even if they are good.. Just for my satisfaction... I am not the original owner of the bike so I don't know of its service history.. The plugs are cheaper than my peace of mind..

Btw the seem to be dull red, the temp read around 180F and rising.. It would usually go up to 226F when the fan kicks in and then drops down to 208F... That's usually in summers... In winters its between 160F-170F depending upon my speed and air temperature around me.

The heat cycle for the bike is excellent. Everything works fine, the fan works when expected... The temp stabilises on the go... Nothing else shows inaccuracies .... It is just the color of the headers changing, that's new to me... I've been riding for 18 yrs and this is the first time I saw the headers glow.

 

[Mark R.]

These are single wall headers, and unless you are getting error codes on the instrument cluster, I would not be concerned. Lots of header pipes glow red, especially with no air flow. Changing the plugs is a good idea, because they are probably due for a change.

As far as the rpm stability, are you doing this while stopped and in neutral? Probably normal. If the bike drives fine, and you can hold a steady speed, once again, I would not be concerned.

Mark R.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[zoeed]

These are single wall headers, and unless you are getting error codes on the instrument cluster, I would not be concerned. Lots of header pipes glow red, especially with no air flow. Changing the plugs is a good idea, because they are probably due for a change.

As far as the rpm stability, are you doing this while stopped and in neutral? Probably normal. If the bike drives fine, and you can hold a steady speed, once again, I would not be concerned.

Mark R.
Albuquerque, NM

Thanks for the reply.
There aren't any error codes..phew...

Yes, I do the cycle in neutral and while stopped... The bike drives fine, it holds a steady speed.. The idle stumble, I found a way to go around it so it doesn't bug me because once I do my idling cycle, the bike doesn't stumble... This is saving me from getting the ecu reprogrammed. I mean I would love to do that for the extra kick but not because of the idle stumble issue, I figured that thing out without spending a dime. Looks like my bike has a "character" ::015::

 

[Dogdaze]

Zoeed welcome. I do believe that the S10 does 'suffer' from a off idle stumble normally, so unless it is like a rocking chair while riding I would also not worry about this. Also, what time is it where you are? After midnight? go get yourself some doodh patti and a nice piece of gulab jamun and deal with it in the morning ::008::

 

[zoeed]

Zoeed welcome. I do believe that the S10 does 'suffer' from a off idle stumble normally, so unless it is like a rocking chair while riding I would also not worry about this. Also, what time is it where you are? After midnight? go get yourself some doodh patti and a nice piece of gulab jamun and deal with it in the morning ::008::

LOL... It's close to midnight, yes!!

Either you have been to this part of the world or you are from here..... No foreigner would know this excellent combination of food until they have tasted it themselves...

Here's my backyard if you fancy a love for the nature

 

[Checkswrecks]

Beautiful back yard.

Three threads to be aware of. First is simply about changing spark plugs.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=8671.0

Second is to address your off-idle stumble, once the plugs are changed, have your mechanic change the CO setting, turn out the painted throttle body screw 3/4 turn, and the do a throttle body synchronization. The bikes are delivered with a lean mixture.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1973.0
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1974.0

 

[Dogdaze]

1987, even stayed at the Kharian Military hospital for two weeks after contracting Malaria, ah the good times ::025::
My back yard...

 

[zoeed]

Beautiful back yard.

Three threads to be aware of. First is simply about changing spark plugs.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=8671.0

Second is to address your off-idle stumble, once the plugs are changed, have your mechanic change the CO setting, turn out the painted throttle body screw 3/4 turn, and the do a throttle body synchronization. The bikes are delivered with a lean mixture.
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1973.0
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=1974.0

Okay cool... Will do.

Though I have a more competent mechanic in islamabad, will have him sync the throttle bodies... Some of the mechanics don't have the proper tools here for that... But the Oslo mechanic does so fingers crossed

 

[zoeed]

1987, even stayed at the Kharian Military hospital for two weeks after contracting Malaria, ah the good times ::025::
My back yard...

You must come visit again and allow me to show you this mesmerising place of Gilgit Baltistan region ... I plan to see Europe too in 2018..

Nobody ain't getting any younger, might at as well enjoy while it lasts ::001:: ::001::.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Okay cool... Will do.

Though I have a more competent mechanic in islamabad, will have him sync the throttle bodies... Some of the mechanics don't have the proper tools here for that... But the Oslo mechanic does so fingers crossed

In one of those threads and elsewhere with Google is how to sync with a length of clear vinyl tubing and a little coolant (just for color). It takes about 6-7 meters of cheap local tubing and is very easy.

 

[iClint]

O2 sensor

 

[iClint]

A faulty O2 sensor could cause the bike to run richer and cause more heat, it would also cause the bike you hunt at idle and while in closed loop mode as the OP described.

 

[yz454]

That,s normal good to go .

 

[Rasher]

The first time my bike was on the dyno the operator pointed out that at idle the AF ratio was off the scale weak, he said many bikes are like this now due to emmisions rules, I have never noticed my headers glowing, but with such a weak condition they are going to get HOT!

The Mrs TDM 900 will have the headers glowing red quite quickly if you let it sit still and idle for a few minutes.

My guess is nothing to worry about.

 

[zoeed]

O2 sensor

What about it?

I have no error codes... I reckon if the o2 sensor is malfunctioning.. Should I not have an error code for that?

 

[zoeed]

The first time my bike was on the dyno the operator pointed out that at idle the AF ratio was off the scale weak, he said many bikes are like this now due to emmisions rules, I have never noticed my headers glowing, but with such a weak condition they are going to get HOT!

The Mrs TDM 900 will have the headers glowing red quite quickly if you let it sit still and idle for a few minutes.

My guess is nothing to worry about.

Roger that.. I ain't doing to it right now.. Went on a 60 mile ride today... Bike is fine on the road... It's running a bit on the hotter end... Will have coolant changed, plugs changed... Then let's see how it performs