103 exhaust heat
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
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From: NWFL
103 exhaust heat
I found an IR thermometer today. So, I pulled my 2012 RGU out of the garage and left it running to check the temps along the exhaust system. Remember, I have removed the CAT. It was really interesting the variation in temp along the exhaust route. the heads reached over 300 F in about 10 min of running. There was a large difference between the heat shield just an inch or so pass the cylinder and the cyl, the shield temps were 80-150F cooler than the cyl. The headers BEFORE the "mixing chamber", where the 2 cylinders' exhaust come together, was generally less than 150 F. The primary heat locations were: 1. the mixing chamber, as you might expect, and 2. the right hand side (RHS) crankcase cover! I was doing other things while taking the readings so I didn't get all the data I would like, but what I did get was very interesting. 2 Minutes after shutting the bike off the O2 sensors were still very hot, upper was 165F and the lower was 190. They cooled quicker than I expected though. The mixing chamber was 235F, remember I don't have the CAT material in mine! and the rear header pipe at the entrance to the mixing chamber was 200 F. The RHS Crankcase cover was as hot as the mixing chamber! (Since I was not on the road, the oil cooler was getting no air and probably wasn't cooling that well). The mixing chamber is the heat retainer in the exhaust. Obviously the mixing in the chamber of the 2 exhaust flows is being retained long enough to heat the header in that area to at least 100 F more than the preceding pipe. I have the thermometer for a few days, so I'll take more reading if I get a chance.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14
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I don't know a helluva lot about the actual thermometer readings, and my 2011 Ultra Limited is my first ever Harley-Davidson. I DO know that sucker throws a ton of heat at you. Mine has the Stage 1 Kits with Rush 2" slip-ons. Thinking of going to removal of the CAT system and going to a true duals set-up. I've read pros and cons on those as well. Love the look of the Vance and Hines setup.
Club Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,834
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From: Stokton, CA
I just changed out my 2012 headers for decated 2010 headers.
After we removed the stock header it was hot of course, a few min later the head pipe was cool to the touch, but the collector area where the cat is, would still burn you....
After we removed the stock header it was hot of course, a few min later the head pipe was cool to the touch, but the collector area where the cat is, would still burn you....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,751
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From: Here and now
I already have. 2011 Electra Glide. The temps on a 70-80 degree day at the middle of the cat area averaged about 450 degrees. I installed a de-catted pipe about two weeks ago. Last week we rode 110 miles home from Reno at speeds of 70-80 mph in 107 degree weather. When I got home, I immediately shot that area and had temps of about 275, mid cat area. Different setups will make no difference. The cat is what creates the heat. Lose it (one way or another) and lose the heat.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
Dribble, if you can please make a reading of the temp on the right crankcase cover after riding. I found that it was about 275 F also. That's hotter than I would have expected. I was not riding my bike as you were, so the oil cooler was not helping reduce the heat. I checked my oil and the level is okay.
It's interesting that on my bike the Crankcase cover was a hot as the mixing Chamber. I have removed the CAT.
Thanks!!
It's interesting that on my bike the Crankcase cover was a hot as the mixing Chamber. I have removed the CAT.
Thanks!!
Road Captain
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Michigan
I had around 475/480 where the cat is today after a ride. I plan on putting my Fuel Moto ceramic coated header on either tonight or tomorrow, so I should be able to post some comparison numbers soon.
Last edited by Pioneer74; Jun 15, 2013 at 04:16 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 13
From: NWFL
Pioneer74, check the right side crankshaft cover too. On mine it was about as hot as the mixing chamber..I'm looking at the FuelMoto pipes as an option so I'm greatly interested in your results!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,843
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From: Michigan
OK, Here are my numbers.
Before, 80 degree day:
Pipe by front cylinder: 278
Pipe by rear cylinder: 344
catalytic converter: 475
After, 85 degree day:
Pipe by front cylinder: 260
Pipe by rear cylinder: 326
Catalytic converter area: 234
Here is an interesting observation. The oxygen sensors, which are just before where the catalyst was and the x-pipe is on the Jackpot, both measured around 325 degrees.
Before, 80 degree day:
Pipe by front cylinder: 278
Pipe by rear cylinder: 344
catalytic converter: 475
After, 85 degree day:
Pipe by front cylinder: 260
Pipe by rear cylinder: 326
Catalytic converter area: 234
Here is an interesting observation. The oxygen sensors, which are just before where the catalyst was and the x-pipe is on the Jackpot, both measured around 325 degrees.