just hit 29k on my 19 sg 107. Suddenly I'm smelling exhaust . I think i noticed a decel pop around the same time. More like a decel gurgle? Stage 1. Nothing changed in 15k and i never had it before. Cleaned the air filter. Looking around the pipes I dont see or feel anything. Is there a good way to check for exhaust leaks?

Something I also noticed today. It seems like I have some soot on the engine. Towards the rear.
Any input is appreciated.

 

Did you check torque on the exhaust flange nuts? 99 INCH pounds of i remember correctly...

 

Yup this is critical. Happened to me. Had to change out the exhaust gaskets because the nuts where no torqued properly.

 

I would retorque them and see if that helps. Any lights? Cats bad? I go through and tighten or check weekly. Things on these bikes will loosen after a bit.

 

I check with 1 ply of Kleenex (separate the Kleenex, tear about a 1" strip), hold it around the suspected leak area. I found the torca clamp on the right side slip on needed to be replaced.

 

The soot is the tell-tale. Don't forget, there is a "sequence" to the exhaust flange nuts. I would loosen them a bit first, and go thru the sequence, with the first torque being around 18 inch lb, I think. Second torque around 100 inch lb. Check the book. The gaskets are of a type that should accommodate to repositioning of the header, up to a point. Also, a re-torque the next day is a good idea. I leave the heat shields off and take the bike for a 50 miler (wow is there a lot of heat coming off those unshielded pipes!!). Let it cool overnight and put the torque wrench on them again in the morning. They will surely be loose. Then put the shields back on.

 

Yep, and if you have enough thread exposed you can double nut each one to keep them from loosening. Good luck.