NEED HELP! 2001 400ex

[JackTheKing]

Ok so I have a 2001 Honda 400ex and when I start it it gets hot really fast. Mostly just the header pipe. Also the I just changed the plug 2 days ago and it's already black. When I rev it on start up it'll sometimes blow black smoke a little bit but then stops. It also ticks after I shut it off slowly for like 20-30 seconds. Anybody know what's wrong with it. Will I need new top end? I also just changed the oil but it didn't seem to do anything. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Dieseljeeper]

does it have a cleanable baffle in the muffler?

[JackTheKing]

I'll check. Baffle was out when I bought it but I put it back in figured it wasn't good for the motor.

[JackTheKing]

How would I clean it?

[Dieseljeeper]

My trx 400 has a yoshimira exhaust you can take apart. clean with a wire brush. Is it possible the packing could be partially blocking the exhaust?

[Dieseljeeper]

My trx 400 has a yoshimira exhaust you can take apart. clean with a wire brush. Is it possible the packing could be partially blocking the exhaust? How does it run other than the exhaust getting hot?

[JackTheKing]

No nothings blocking the exhaust. It still has a lot of power.

[doug the slug]

When your plug gets black that early, it usually indicates a carb problem. If it is overfueling then you'll get some smoke and eventually the rings will wear out and a rebuild will be necessary. Start with a carb overhaul and see how it runs then. 

[Dieseljeeper]

I agree with Doug the Slug and would also check the valve clearances as well. Has any mods been done?

[JackTheKing]

No mods have been done

[bodge]

If it runs well it does not sound like a problem. 4 stroke headers get hot fast naturally and the ticks are probably the metal cooling off. Sounds normal to me.

[HntWhtTail]

Hows the air filter?  check valves clean carb what jets possibly need to adjust fuel screw might be too rich at idle? I agree the ticking after shut down just cooling metal its air cooled if its not moving its not cooling it will get really hot just idleing.

[bubba thomas]

Does the head pipe get cherry red right out of head you may have to look at in the dark

Did this just start?

Sounds lean off idle you may have to lower clip on the needle and/or go up one size on pilot jet

But need to know did this just start happening may just need a good cleaning