Decel popping
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 11
From: Pittsburgh Pa
Decel popping
I sprayed my exhaust with soapy water where the exhaust bolts to the motor and i'm getting bubbles, would a small exhaust leak cause bad decel popping? I'm not a mechanic by no means but would rather take a shot at saving some money by trying myself,
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 874
From: Iowa
It could be. Decel popping is usually too much air in the exhaust causing it to get hot and ignite the extra unused gas on decel. If you aren't getting good flow through the exhaust it could be getting too hot.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Could that bubbing be from spraying water on a hot motor?
Also check for intake leaks.
Not a whole lot more to offer since you told us absolutely nothing about your bike, mods, recent work, etc.
Also check for intake leaks.
Not a whole lot more to offer since you told us absolutely nothing about your bike, mods, recent work, etc.
Last edited by nevil; Sep 9, 2019 at 11:51 AM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 11
From: Pittsburgh Pa
I waited a couple hours and let the bike cool before I sprayed it, it's a 2012 street bob with 7500 miles, the only mods were done before purchase (5500 miles)which is Vance and Hines exhaust and screaming eagle heavy breather intake, I should have mentioned this in the post but I was in a rush, sorry bout dat.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
You can't check an exhaust leak with the motor not running. (Same with the intake.)
With the motor warmed up the seals will expand and seal better than when cold. Use a source of smoke, like a cigar or stick of incense and get it around the area of the exhaust flange. If there's a leak the smoke will show it.
For the intake, the motor is warmed and idling. Get a can of throttle body or mass airflow cleaner and spray around the intake port on each head. A leak will cause the idle to change noticeably. Be careful not to get any into the air intake, you'll get a false positive.
If there are no leaks, the tune would be the most likely culprit.
With the motor warmed up the seals will expand and seal better than when cold. Use a source of smoke, like a cigar or stick of incense and get it around the area of the exhaust flange. If there's a leak the smoke will show it.
For the intake, the motor is warmed and idling. Get a can of throttle body or mass airflow cleaner and spray around the intake port on each head. A leak will cause the idle to change noticeably. Be careful not to get any into the air intake, you'll get a false positive.
If there are no leaks, the tune would be the most likely culprit.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 11
From: Pittsburgh Pa
You can't check an exhaust leak with the motor not running. (Same with the intake.)
With the motor warmed up the seals will expand and seal better than when cold. Use a source of smoke, like a cigar or stick of incense and get it around the area of the exhaust flange. If there's a leak the smoke will show it.
For the intake, the motor is warmed and idling. Get a can of throttle body or mass airflow cleaner and spray around the intake port on each head. A leak will cause the idle to change noticeably. Be careful not to get any into the air intake, you'll get a false positive.
If there are no leaks, the tune would be the most likely culprit.
With the motor warmed up the seals will expand and seal better than when cold. Use a source of smoke, like a cigar or stick of incense and get it around the area of the exhaust flange. If there's a leak the smoke will show it.
For the intake, the motor is warmed and idling. Get a can of throttle body or mass airflow cleaner and spray around the intake port on each head. A leak will cause the idle to change noticeably. Be careful not to get any into the air intake, you'll get a false positive.
If there are no leaks, the tune would be the most likely culprit.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,065
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From: New Hampsha
For exhaust leaks let the engine idle, put a rag on your hand(s) and block the exhaust outlet(s). Any leaks will make a hissing sound.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
I don't know of a way to check for exhaust leaks cold. Even if you could it might give a false positive. The metal needs to heat up and expand into the seals.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Is bike stock? What exhaust system is on bike? What tuner? To check leaks, just take a small (1"X2") slip of newspaper held by needle nose pliers and put it close to joints. People are alway referring to exhaust leaks causing this but I really doubt it if you have a crossover still in system.
