[noahtodras]

i searched, and came up with nothing - both here and via google, and in my clymer manual...

i've got an 86 nighthawk 450, and on the left carb, a valve (that isn't present on the right) that wasn't connected to anything when i got the bike, and is very small, shoots a very very small flame - not enough to burn my thumb when i press on it - out, 1 in every 20 cycles or so at idle, and occasionally when the rpms climb...

this perplexes me, and being only marginally inclined mechanically, i'd assume that it's a timing issue? that flame can only be from combustion, and poor engine performance combined with a flame that must be travelling back through an open intake valve seems to suggest that my timing is off - that the spark is igniting the mix too late in the cycle.

so how do i advance (or adjust) my timing? i know there are countless articles about this procedure, but i can't find a single one that pertains to my bike. anyone have this issue with an 86 nighthawk 450? anyone have any suggestions?

i appreciate the advice, and i apologize if there's some overwhelmingly obvious answer.