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06-21-2015, 11:03 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Stony Plain, Alberta
Posts: 694
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V&H header pipe breakage
Well, at the 45,000 km mark my rear header pipe finally gave way. I knew something was up when last week she started popping on decel out of the left hand pipe. At first I thought it may be that I hadn't cleaned the throttle body for a while, so after doing that and a full service ( getting ready for the rally in July ) it only got worse. At least it happened in my home town and not out on the road. So, I'll attempt to repair it, but I may order a replacement just to be on the safe side if the repair doesn't pan out. What I can tell you is that it had nothing to do with alignment or improper torque procedures because I had taken my time whenever I had the exhaust off and on over the years. Yes, there is a design problem from V&H, however, I still like them and this really is a minor fix.
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06-21-2015, 11:26 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Psychiatric Ward FL
Posts: 3,429
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Get it welded.
Mine broke about 6 years ago. I had it welded at a muffler shop, and it's still going strong. I've had my pipes off at least a dozen times since. MT
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06-22-2015, 02:04 AM | #3 |
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Posts: 6,772
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I did the same thing as Mas. It broke, I removed it and took it to a muffler shop who welded it up for $25. It's still going strong that way.
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Jared
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06-22-2015, 05:03 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Apr 2015
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06-22-2015, 12:23 PM | #5 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Stony Plain, Alberta
Posts: 694
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Getting it repaired because V&H has none in stock so they have to make one with a 4-6 weeks delivery date. They still say that these breaks are rare........... :(
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06-22-2015, 02:56 PM | #6 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Spokane
Posts: 143
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Quote:
Did you ever take temperature measurements to see if the bike is running too hot/lean on that cylinder? A cheap IR temp sensor could tell you. |
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06-22-2015, 02:58 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Spokane
Posts: 143
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I would agree with VH...it's fairly rare for the pipe to crack. But what people don't realize is that it happens on all manufacturers like VH, Supertrapp, FMF, etc. I've had it happen several times on motorcross bikes.
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06-22-2015, 05:04 PM | #8 |
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Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever!
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Don't just get the crack welded, have them weld a patch over it. Much stronger.
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Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08|Custer '09|Cortez '10|Crescent City '11|Kanab '12|Antlers '12|Estes Park '13|Antlers '13|Orofino '14|The Dalles '17 |
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06-22-2015, 05:22 PM | #9 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Stony Plain, Alberta
Posts: 694
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my welder has a few options for me; one, being to reinforce the bend after the cracks are taken care of. two, the straight section that runs under the frame, cut a piece out and replace with a section of stainless, flex exhaust and secured with band clamps. The idea to allow for vibration flexing and lessen the stress on the bend by the head. We'll see how the repair goes first on the cracks................ stay tuned........
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Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.........Mark Twain. |
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06-29-2015, 02:49 PM | #10 |
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Stony Plain, Alberta
Posts: 694
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Update: Welding unsuccessful, kept chasing the cracks. Patching over as well would have caused the heat shield to no longer fit. Sooooo, I ordered a new set of Cobra billet tips which should be here in a few days prior to taking off for the rally......Last thing I wanted to have to do but not many other options. I have the Ultimate Baffles in my old set which I'll put up for sale in the proper section if anyone is interested.
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Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.........Mark Twain. |
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06-29-2015, 07:22 PM | #11 | |
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06-29-2015, 07:32 PM | #12 |
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Montreal QC
Posts: 12,034
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I have to agree there, any muffler shop with a good pipe bender should be able to copy the bend and weld a section in.
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Norm Ward 2008 blue / silver nomad kawanow / VBA #01136 |
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06-29-2015, 07:53 PM | #13 |
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Location: Belgrade, MT
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By the time you pay their hourly rate plus material, you could just order a new pipe.
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Dave "(dshelly)" Shellenberger 2014 Harley Ultra Classic 2007 1600 Nomad (Black) Shellenberger Machine Belgrade, MT Various Bagger Member (Harley Chapter) VBA # 2395 |
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06-29-2015, 07:57 PM | #14 |
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Location: alberta foothills
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Hey Kevin, I might take those ultimate baffles off your hands. Could you bring them with you to the rally? I'll see you in Salmon Arm if not somewhere along the way.
Andy
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06-29-2015, 09:29 PM | #15 |
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Not quite. I welded my own What was that 2 years ago now ? I think so maybe 3.
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