Cracked Exhaust Pipe
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
funny you mentioned that about pushing down on the muffler. At the Laughlin rally I watched the guys working at one of the big name wheel vendors booth yanking the heck out of 2 bikes they were swapping wheels on. I could not believe how much they were stressing the pipe where it mounted to the rear cylinder. Kind of scary
I was having a friend help me with new hardwood flooring at my house and he made a cut that was too short and he said, "it'll look good from my house." He's a good guy but that was the last board he cut for me.
If you aren't going to do it yourself, don't expect the person doing the work to have the same concern as you might.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 6,107
From: Florida
I heard the stock headers crack at the "Y" (sounds perverted) after so many miles, so I bought a brand new takeoff from Craig's a couple years ago for like nothing. So far, haven't needed it. You wouldn't believe what they cost new from the Dave!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
When you weld a used pipe, it isn't going to last long. That's a nasty crack, LOL. That is a week spot on OEM headers also. After you get it repaired or welded, keep an eye on the hangers to make sure they're tight. Good Luck.
Last edited by 103 sedona orange; Apr 26, 2014 at 10:41 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
Weld a patch over the area and it will not bug you again. We use to make and repair the pipes on our old vibrating shovels and such and never had an issue.
Done correctly it will be fine.
If you try to just weld up the cracks then it will likely fail but who would just weld up the crack ??? The ones who say welding will not work and it failed !!!!
Done correctly it will be fine.
If you try to just weld up the cracks then it will likely fail but who would just weld up the crack ??? The ones who say welding will not work and it failed !!!!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: trivoli illinois
the pipe cracked probably cracked due to stress. I'd make sure the system was sitting on the hangers well, and tack weld the break on the bike. removing and closing the gap would probably put a stress back on the pipe. remove the pipe and finish the weld. heli arc would be my choice. back up the crack with a small patch. re-install and hide with the shield.....last forever.....snip
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Upstate SC
Dropped it off at a reliable welding shop this morning. They told me "if it can be repaired, we can do it". Supposed to be ready this pm.