acceptable exhaust leak?

kabory · 11-30-2011, 07:47 PM

Is any exhaust leak acceptable? I noticed a pretty descent leak from the clamp at the slip on muffler location. When I originally installed the slip ons, I reused the factory clamps. They are listed as a one time clamp but others have used them twice.
So I just put new clamps on and the leak is still there, but alot less. I used the manufactures tork specs of 43 ft pounds. Any more and the clamp starts to twist. So I know it is tight enough. Stumpped on this one.

Dodsfall · 11-30-2011, 08:02 PM

You'll have to determine if it's causing any problems with the fuel mixture. Checking the spark plugs for color and condition is the quickest way. If the leak is small enough, it probably won't cause any damage to the engine.

Beyond the potential of the engine running too lean, the other thing would be if any change in sound is bothersome to you. Sometimes a small leak will make a ticking noise depending on where it's at.

kabory · 11-30-2011, 09:34 PM

Thanks, next rideable day I will check the plugs. As far as sound, every now and then I get the bird chirp noise after shutting down. Have to wait to see if that disappeared.

kabory · 12-01-2011, 09:49 AM

front plug is darker than rear. Pic is before I replaced clamps. Will ck again after running bike.

Dodsfall · 12-01-2011, 10:13 AM

Is the rear the one that's leaking? It looks like it's running hotter than the front for sure. It's hard to tell if it's too hot from the picture.

kabory · 12-01-2011, 11:40 AM

No, the front was leaking, here is another pic

Dodsfall · 12-01-2011, 11:44 AM

From the looks of the plugs, I don't think there is any problem. My plugs both turn a bit grey like your rear plug since the 08 Sporty is tuned to run fairly lean from the factory for fuel economy.

kabory · 12-01-2011, 12:54 PM

Thank You, bike does run good, will check again after next long run.

kabory · 12-01-2011, 05:02 PM

Couldnt be happier. Took bike out, first thing I noticed is the decel pop is gone. Checked plugs and both are just right, nice tan color. Also the small exhaust leak is not present after pipes get hot. Yea Man.

11-30-2011, 07:47 PM	#1
kabory Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 616	acceptable exhaust leak? Is any exhaust leak acceptable? I noticed a pretty descent leak from the clamp at the slip on muffler location. When I originally installed the slip ons, I reused the factory clamps. They are listed as a one time clamp but others have used them twice. So I just put new clamps on and the leak is still there, but alot less. I used the manufactures tork specs of 43 ft pounds. Any more and the clamp starts to twist. So I know it is tight enough. Stumpped on this one.

11-30-2011, 08:02 PM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,352	You'll have to determine if it's causing any problems with the fuel mixture. Checking the spark plugs for color and condition is the quickest way. If the leak is small enough, it probably won't cause any damage to the engine. Beyond the potential of the engine running too lean, the other thing would be if any change in sound is bothersome to you. Sometimes a small leak will make a ticking noise depending on where it's at. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-01-2011, 10:13 AM	#5
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,352	Is the rear the one that's leaking? It looks like it's running hotter than the front for sure. It's hard to tell if it's too hot from the picture. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-01-2011, 11:44 AM	#7
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 16,352	From the looks of the plugs, I don't think there is any problem. My plugs both turn a bit grey like your rear plug since the 08 Sporty is tuned to run fairly lean from the factory for fuel economy. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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11-30-2011, 09:34 PM	#3
kabory Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 616	Thanks, next rideable day I will check the plugs. As far as sound, every now and then I get the bird chirp noise after shutting down. Have to wait to see if that disappeared.

12-01-2011, 09:49 AM	#4
kabory Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 616	front plug is darker than rear. Pic is before I replaced clamps. Will ck again after running bike.

12-01-2011, 11:40 AM	#6
kabory Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 616	No, the front was leaking, here is another pic

12-01-2011, 12:54 PM	#8
kabory Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 616	Thank You, bike does run good, will check again after next long run.

12-01-2011, 05:02 PM	#9
kabory Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: North Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 616	Couldnt be happier. Took bike out, first thing I noticed is the decel pop is gone. Checked plugs and both are just right, nice tan color. Also the small exhaust leak is not present after pipes get hot. Yea Man.