Blown exhaust gasket(s). Safe to ride?

YamahaFan · 05-25-2012, 10:22 AM

I already ordered the part, but in the mean time I don't know if it's OK to ride. It's a '96 Yamaha FZR600, 4 inline cylinder engine with 4 exhaust holes. I'm not sure if it was 1 or 2 gaskets, I couldn't tell by feeling the air coming out. My concern is that with the pressure differences on the outputs would it cause any problems, or if there is anything else I don't know about (yet)

Thanks,

Dodsfall · 05-25-2012, 11:13 AM

Potentially, the engine could overheat from loss of back pressure causing a lean condition.

It's hard to say if it will happen, since it's a matter of degree depending on how bad the leak is.

You can test it by running the engine for a couple miles to get it up to operating temperature, hitting the kill switch and immediately pulling the spark plugs to check for signs of running lean. (White deposit on electrode or melted insulator)

If it is showing signs of running too lean, I would park the motorcycle until you can get the repair done. If it's not showing any signs of running lean, it should be ok to ride.

YamahaFan · 05-25-2012, 11:56 AM

darn it I hate pulling the plugs on that one because it doesn't look like an easy job, but will see - long weekend ahead.

Thanks Dods,

YamahaFan · 06-01-2012, 11:23 AM

so err ... I got the gaskets, went to take the manifold out and one of the pipes was just loose! Oops! It wasn't the gaskets, but the tip and the pipe itself just broke apart. Now I'm waiting for the manifold/exhaust header! No ride for the friggin whole nice week, and it'll be raining all next week. Darn it!

05-25-2012, 10:22 AM	#1
YamahaFan Certified Homeless Biker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MA, US Posts: 2,556	Blown exhaust gasket(s). Safe to ride? I already ordered the part, but in the mean time I don't know if it's OK to ride. It's a '96 Yamaha FZR600, 4 inline cylinder engine with 4 exhaust holes. I'm not sure if it was 1 or 2 gaskets, I couldn't tell by feeling the air coming out. My concern is that with the pressure differences on the outputs would it cause any problems, or if there is anything else I don't know about (yet) Thanks, __________________ 1996 Yamaha FZR600, first and current bike, and loving it. RIP Pat Taylor aka iamgumby I'm into women in leather. No whip please. It's not my style.

05-25-2012, 11:13 AM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,352	Potentially, the engine could overheat from loss of back pressure causing a lean condition. It's hard to say if it will happen, since it's a matter of degree depending on how bad the leak is. You can test it by running the engine for a couple miles to get it up to operating temperature, hitting the kill switch and immediately pulling the spark plugs to check for signs of running lean. (White deposit on electrode or melted insulator) If it is showing signs of running too lean, I would park the motorcycle until you can get the repair done. If it's not showing any signs of running lean, it should be ok to ride. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-25-2012, 11:56 AM	#3
YamahaFan Certified Homeless Biker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MA, US Posts: 2,556	darn it I hate pulling the plugs on that one because it doesn't look like an easy job, but will see - long weekend ahead. Thanks Dods, __________________ 1996 Yamaha FZR600, first and current bike, and loving it. RIP Pat Taylor aka iamgumby I'm into women in leather. No whip please. It's not my style.

06-01-2012, 11:23 AM	#4
YamahaFan Certified Homeless Biker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: MA, US Posts: 2,556	so err ... I got the gaskets, went to take the manifold out and one of the pipes was just loose! Oops! It wasn't the gaskets, but the tip and the pipe itself just broke apart. Now I'm waiting for the manifold/exhaust header! No ride for the friggin whole nice week, and it'll be raining all next week. Darn it! __________________ 1996 Yamaha FZR600, first and current bike, and loving it. RIP Pat Taylor aka iamgumby I'm into women in leather. No whip please. It's not my style.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search