Black Soot Inside Mufflers

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Jul 21, 2022 | 01:05 PM

rlj50

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 35

Likes: 1

From: Jefferson City, Mo

Black Soot Inside Mufflers

I own a 2021 HD Heritage Softail 114ci. I currently have 2,404 on the odometer. About 400 miles ago, I installed a set of Vance and Hines twin-slash slip-on mufflers. I noticed the other day that there is thin layer of black soot all over the inside of both upper and lower mufflers. I haven't noticed any smoke coming out of the mufflers during start-up or when riding my bike. Just curious as to whether this is normal, or something I should be concerned about. Thanks for any insights. RLJ50

Jul 21, 2022 | 01:20 PM

FranBunnyFFXII

HDF Community Team

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 4,344

Likes: 3,391

From: Seattle

My Eliminator 300s are the same. The problem got noticably worse when I put the Thunder Torque inserts into them.
Gasoline doesnt burn perfectly clean, and you've removed the Catalyst, that means you're going to get tiny amounts of soot.
Such is life.

Jul 21, 2022 | 02:41 PM

Steve Sportster

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 2,773

Likes: 2,261

From: Ft. Wayne IN

I put Eliminator 300 on my 2018 Heritage 114 and see no soot. I have an FP3 tune installed (the canned one). I also have the V&H baffles installed and a DK catch can.

Jul 22, 2022 | 10:55 AM

bduds65

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2021

Posts: 1,317

Likes: 728

From: Pennsylvania

My wife has a 2021 Heritage with the V&H Eliminator 300 and a SE tuner. I clean our bikes regularly, plus I give the exhaust ends a thorough wipe every few hundred miles or after long day trip. Actually I clean the windshield after every trip so the damp cloth is perfect for that. That said, I do some yellowish buildup and I am sure it would get worse if I didn't keep up on it like I do. But nothing black.

I have Rineharts with black tips on my 2019 Heritage so I actually have no idea what is going on with mine! LOL I do not have a tuner but I am planning on getting that done next season. Just purchased with 6k miles

Last edited by bduds65; Jul 22, 2022 at 12:21 PM.