Help! Discoloration at exhaust pipe coming right off the engine

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Jan 4, 2010 | 01:50 PM

RCMills05

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6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2009

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Help! Discoloration at exhaust pipe coming right off the engine

Hi all. I am a noob. 'bought my 1st HD last summer ( '09 XL1200 ) 'thought I had everything covered for winter storage. 'changed oil, added fuel stabilizer. thorough detailing etc. I am in the habit of starting all my vehicles that are in winter storage & letting them run. 'Never had problems before and it always allowed for easy start and go in spring. ' I think I f*cked up. I let the Sportster idle for about 20 minutes and then it dawned on me that it is air-cooled. Went out to garage to turn it off. Lots of exhaust smoke. Fine white powder in some areas around the upper frame, side of fuel tank etc.. Shut it down immediately and let it cool down. 'Don't know if I did any damage, Haven't started it up yet. Did see discoloration at the exhaust pipe coming off the engine. Never had it before. The chrome has turned blue/yelowish-red as I have seen before on other older bikes but didn't know why? Can anyone help me. Did I screw up ? Thanks for any advice you can spare.

Jan 4, 2010 | 01:57 PM

ord sgt

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 4,007

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From: Mount Laurel, N.J.

Over-heating the pipes will cause the color change. But it happens to most pipes. Mine has a chrome cover to hide the discoloration.

Jan 4, 2010 | 02:25 PM

Pine Tree

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Joined: Oct 2007

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From: New England

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCMills05

...I am in the habit of starting all my vehicles that are in winter storage & letting them run...

Get out of that habit...does more harm then good. Motor oil has the tendency to collect moisture and unburnt fuel and it will take more then 20 minutes of idling to burn it off. Once it's put away, leave it alone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCMills05

...Lots of exhaust smoke. Fine white powder in some areas around the upper frame, side of fuel tank etc...

What color was the smoke?

Did the powder have a sulfur smell to it?

Jan 4, 2010 | 02:34 PM

brunswickoh

Road Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,031

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From:

Letting your bike idle for 20 minutes won't hurt it, again though there's no reason to run it. Leave it until spring comes.

Jan 4, 2010 | 02:37 PM

jeff.georgalas

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 2,523

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From: Illinois

You should be fine. Your exhaust bluing is very normal. That's why when you buy a good set of aftermarket pipes 99% of them have heat shields to cover it. I've run my bike for 20 minutes in the Winter time before and never had a problem with it, I was just trying to re-charge the charging system. I now use a battery tender and don't worry about it.

Jan 4, 2010 | 03:14 PM

nathanw

Road Warrior

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 1,810

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From: Out and about

Running your bike during the winter defeats the purpose of changing the oil. Slap a battery tender on it and leave it until you plan to start riding again.