Cracked Exhaust

[Dimitris]

Today I realized I have a small crack in my left exhaust pipe. Just in front of the point where it comes out from the left cylinder. Has anyone had such an experience?

[Guest ratchethack]

Today I realized I have a small crack in my left exhaust pipe. Just in front of the point where it comes out from the left cylinder. Has anyone had such an experience?

Yes. My Pal with '04 LM. Repeatedly. In the same spot as yours, and in other spots close to the heads. He has had his pipes re-welded many times. It's important to ensure that the entire length of the exhaust system isn't assembled in such a way that stresses are imposed on it. That is to say, such mounting points as the crossover hanger (which I find many don't even make use of) are secured without putting undue strain on the system.

 

This has been a problem with many V11's. Todd Eagan at GuzziTech came up with a run of "unbreakable" stainless headers to address the need awhile back. I haven't been following the success (or lack thereof?) But you might give him a shout to inquire. He's pretty good about answering email.

 

http://www.guzzitech.com

 

Good luck.

[Dimitris]

Thank you Ratchetchak! I didn't know that Todd had a solution about it. I will look at it.

[Richard]

My Rosso Corsa had the same problem - I had it re-welded at a firm which welds heading elements, so is used to high temperature welds. I then fitted everything in place loosely and tightened up front to back, trying to ensure that there was no stress on the system. So far, it's worked....

[raz]

Last spring my bike had been completely in pieces. After my first trip (when still hot) I loosened all exhaust clamps, gave everything a couple knocks with a rubber sledge and tightened it up. I don't know how good that was but it shouldn't hurt.