So I took the stock exhaust off my road king last night. I found this gouge in my inner primary case. I really don't think I did it, as I've had some work done that required removing the exhaust in the past, and when it's on, this is covered. however, if I did do it, live and learn. I'm over it. my question is, since it seems to have gouged into the bare metal, will this rust in the future? is there something I can do to prevent that from happening? it is what it is now, I don't want to fork out the cash for a new inner primary. I had a leak in my exhaust against the cylinder head and I'm replacing them with true duals. thanks in advance.

 

That looks to me like something on the exhaust was rubbing against that point, possibly the screw head of the heat shield. Looks like it was "worn" away, not a one time gouge. It won't rust, the inner primary is made of aluminum. Put some black heat paint on it and call it a day would be my advise.

 

HD sells that wrinkle black touch up paint. Perhaps you could apply many coats to it and fill the gouge, at least it wouldn't be so apparent. I've used a black Sharpie before with ok results.

 

rub a sharpie over it and go ride.

 

The Wrinkle Black is a good idea, although I wouldn't try filling the gouge with it.

That too.

 

To answer your question, no, it will not rust but touching it up like the others said, will make it look less noticeable.

 

Sounds like a plan. looks like a quick touch up is in the future, and riding like it ain't there.

Thanks for the help fellas.

 

I'd apply it kinda heavy... drop-wise, then let the heat cure it.
It will never be seen.

 

It's aluminum & aluminum does not rust.