Cracked header pipes
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 62
From: Cape Cod, Ma.
Cracked header pipes
Anyone have any issues with the header pipes (stock) cracking. I have had the pipe crack in the same area twice now. This time it has cracked on both sides. It is cracking at the joint where the rear pipe enters the front. The first time it cracked on the outside. I had it welded and it has cracked in the same spot just behind the weld and on the inside near the frame. I am begining to wonder what is stressing this area so much. I have VH basic slip ons and SE air cleaner. No big HP engine or anything else. Any ideas? Thanks.
Neil
RDMC
Neil
RDMC
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
RE: Cracked header pipes
Do you ever back up and park at a curb? One cause of this problem is parking with a muffler resting on the curb and your bikes weight pushing up on theleft side pipe. That'll cause the pipes to crack at the "Y".
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 62
From: Cape Cod, Ma.
RE: Cracked header pipes
No I have not parked up against the curb but good thought. This is the junction on the right side of the bike where the front and rear pipe meet. The first time it cracked I thought it might have been from installing the slip ons. I did have to work hard at getting the right side pipe on and off and thought I might have pushed down too hard on it. But now that it has cracked again and in two places i think someting else is causing it.
Neil
RDMC
Neil
RDMC
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Cumming Ga
RE: Cracked header pipes
It looks like you are from up north. We tend to see this problem in the winter when we ride in the cold and then the pipes heat up. It seems to be just a temp change issue that is inevitable. the Y pipe is notorious for this.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
RE: Cracked header pipes
Yup I certainly have seen it. This winter I was replacing my bars and cable. The clutch cable makes you drop the exhaust to change it out.
So low and behold this is what I found when I took the heat shield off.
[IMG]local://upfiles/4888/C7CD8FB4294B474F96384FD9CA643D8E.jpg[/IMG]
So low and behold this is what I found when I took the heat shield off.
[IMG]local://upfiles/4888/C7CD8FB4294B474F96384FD9CA643D8E.jpg[/IMG]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 11
From: Grottoes Va.
RE: Cracked header pipes
caused by heat and stress. the motor is rubbermounted and moves around, the rear end of the exhaust does not move that much, something has to give. Some guy's i know have the same problem, except they wash their scoot as soon as they get home from a ride, actually heard one of them crack, just something to think about.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 723
Likes: 62
From: Cape Cod, Ma.
RE: Cracked header pipes
Harpoon,
Thanks! That is what mine will look like when the two cracks meet. I am glad to know that I am not the only one with the problem. A budy of mine has the stock set up he is going to give me for short money (he switched to Rineharts). When I get the funds together I think I will be switching to the duals I was thinking about.Thanks again guys this forum is the best!
Neil
RDMC
www.roaddawgs.com
Thanks! That is what mine will look like when the two cracks meet. I am glad to know that I am not the only one with the problem. A budy of mine has the stock set up he is going to give me for short money (he switched to Rineharts). When I get the funds together I think I will be switching to the duals I was thinking about.Thanks again guys this forum is the best!
Neil
RDMC
www.roaddawgs.com
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
RE: Cracked header pipes
Nope, had no idea it was cracked and would never had known if I didn't have to take the exhaust down. Never heard any loud noise from that section. But from what I hear this is fairly common. I had a local Custom Muffler shop give it a quick weld and I was back in business.
Harpoon
Harpoon