Holes in exhaust

[Anonymous]

Hey,

Someone who owned my bike before me had the brilliant idea of drilling some holes in the back of the exhaust pipes (stock), I assume in an attempt to make them louder, which it did. I don't like the extra noise and am somewhat worried about incorrect backpressure. I am looking to replace them, but in the meantime, is there some way I could plug the holes? I would think that rubber wouldn't work, as it would get too hot and possibly melt. Any other ideas on how to plug the holes? Thanks.

--Tyler

[first timer]

take some self taping screws the size on the hole and screw them into the holes.

ryan

[argonsagas]

If the holes are too big for screws, check your nearest auto supply store for muffler cement. It is thick enough for filling larger holes.
It hardens completely once heated, and is a positive seal.

You can also try a metallized epoxy, like J B Weld.

[Anonymous]

Toggle screws & flat washers

[Planecrazy]

Hey Tyler,

Must have been related to the guy who did the exact same thing to mine! The problem is I can't tell which holes are supposed to be there and which aren't ... he did a good job of making it look "stock". I've never seen an "untouched" GS550L so I have nothing to compare against. My solution was to get a pair of H-D FLH cans (for free at my local H-D dealership I might add) with the plan to cut off the original cans and custom weld the new pipes (with adapters) on over the winter.

It looks like the stock heat shield will cover up the adapter if I do it right.

Send me a picture of the ends of your pipes -- when I get a chance I'll do the same and maybe it will be helpful to one or both of us... Although the idea of putting the Harley tips on is entertaining, if I can solve the noise problem without all that work it would be preferable (as I'm sure it would be for you as well).

Regards,
Steve

[Anonymous]

On mine, I believe the holes that are supposed to be there are six that are evenly spaced in a circle. The guy that drilled out the back of mine put three extra holes, one in the middle and one on each side (between the original holes, so it creates a straight line). I'll attach pics when I get a chance.

--Tyler

[Planecrazy]

On mine, the only holes I see are the six you mentioned, but I know he did something to the pipes because he told me he did (and the bike is WAY loud). If I look into the pipe through one of those holes I can't see any obvious change so I'm left scratching my head as to what he actually did... I'll try and post a picture later today...

[Planecrazy]

Ok, here is the tip of my exhaust ... It looks stock to me so this guy must have shoved a long drill bit into the exhaust and done some damage. Only thing is, I don't see anything unusual when I look inside. Do these caps come off? If so, I don't see how...



Later,
Steve

[daveo]

the Yahoo pic won't open

[Planecrazy]

Strange that it won't open for you ... on my computer I'm looking at it in the post... hmmm...

OK, I changed the access on my yahoo folder to "public" from "private." Let me know if you can see it now... thanks.

[daveo]

nope,just a red 'X', I tried to cut and paste the properties into the address bar and that didn't work either, I'm thinking it's Yahoo?

[Planecrazy]

You're probably right, but since I see it on my machine (even when I'm logged out of yahoo) I'd like to hear from someone else before I start fighting with it... if nobody else can see it either than we can be pretty sure it's a "yahoo thing" and I'll look into it further till the problem's licked...

Thanks for the input though!

[Anonymous]

no pic

[Planecrazy]

OK, I'll figure it out ... thanks!

[Planecrazy]

Ok, is it there now? It's not a permanent fix, but hopefully you can see it now... wasn't really worth all the trouble, huh? Oh well...

8)