Exhaust hotter in one cylinder?

The pipes on my '82 XJ750 Seca were a bit rusted and looking all out dilapidated, so I took them off and painted them with black engine enamel. Since then the paint has been smoking, which I figured would happen since apparently normal engine enamel isn't designed for the heat experienced on manifolds or pipes, but i figured it was worth a shot. The thing that has me a little puzzled and concerned is that on the first bend in my furthest curb side pipe, the paint is also becoming more glossy. But it isn't happening anywhere else. At first I thought maybe that meant I was running hotter in that cylinder for some reason, and I've recently read here that the stock pipes are double walled, could that mean that the inner wall is damaged in that area? I'm definitely a novice, this is my first bike so please bare with me if and when I ask stupid questions. Any and all advice/help is appreciated.

 

The stock pipes are indeed double-walled; and yes the inner wall could be cracked or rusted through in that area.

It could also indicate that the one cylinder is running hotter for another reason; like out of spec (tight) valves, or a carb issue causing it to run lean.

 

Well poop. I knew that the carb rebuild was eminent anyways. Its on the "Do this winter" list along with some painting and other such brikerbrack.

 

CHECK YOUR VALVE CLEARANCES.

Due initially at 3K miles and every 5K thereafter. They tighten not loosen. Too tight=burnt valve. Often ignored.

How many miles on the bike?

If it is indeed because you've got a seriously tight valve, put it off and you WILL damage the motor. A full-on valve job is one heck of a lot more hassle and expense than just doing the required maintenance.

Valve adjustment is actually EASIER than the carb service (although both are NECESSARY.) Don't ignore it. You'll burn a valve or hole a piston.

Plus you can't properly adjust freshly-serviced carbs if the valve clearances are out of spec.

 

Would all of the information I need to check the clearances be on this site, or am I going to need to pull from outside sources?

 

Search the site I guarantee you'll find it. I strongly suggest getting a service manual It will fill in all the missing details. It will also cover many other maintenance items you probably need to attend to.
If you need help I am only an hour away from you. I have tools and shims, you just need a valve cover gasket.

 

You should be working with a service manual, and using this site as a supplement; but here you go:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html