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Author Topic: Preventing Silencer Rot  (Read 897 times)

Offline Barry

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Preventing Silencer Rot
« on: December 11, 2008, 01:25:17 PM »
Well I don't expect you can prevent it but I would like my recently aquired chrome silencers to last a little longer.  

Is there any harm in pouring in a good amount of oil and then allowing them to drain before fitting.

Any absorbtion packing in there that might be compromised ?

I know they are going to smoke for a little while.
Barry Cheshire, England 79 R45

Offline Lucky_Lou

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Re: Preventing Silencer Rot
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2008, 02:15:53 PM »
I dont think that would be a good idea the danger of the oil carbonizing and clogging the silencer would outway any benifit and it would smoke forever.
Lou
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Offline nhmaf

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Re: Preventing Silencer Rot
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2008, 04:17:01 PM »
Some (possibly) useful tips to prolong muffler life:
1) Have a clean, dry garage with a cement floor you can to park the bike in over night.  dirt floors hold moisture.
2) Avoid short trips of < 5 miles or 5 minutes, or if you must, periodically "lengthen" them by riding for longer intervals - the trick is to get the
whole exhaust system good and hot for long enough to boil out any water vapour from the exhaust stream or condensation
3) If riding back home in the rain, make sure that the bike's exhaust is good and hot when you shut it off, and park it in a dry place were it won't get rained on further
4) Periodically clean the exhaust system and check/ensure that any drain holes are not plugged up with dirt, tarmac, dead bugs, or squirrel entrails.   Collections of dirt
in and around crevices/indentations in the pipes, crossovers, mufflers help to trap water and contribute to rusting.
Now that I have an LS with painted pipes, I don't use much of it anymore, but I had found some chrome polish that worked well on chrome exhausts and helped protect the finish without being affected by the high temps.  Cannot find the stuff in the garage now... hmmm
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

larstorders

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Re: Preventing Silencer Rot
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2008, 04:49:30 PM »
Silencers removed last Sunday for a good clean with autosol and dousing inside and out with penetrating oil. They'll stay in the shed until needed again. It's too icy to ride this weekend. My 5 month old 'Sitos'  have already got blemishes in their chrome where tiny chips allowed rust specs to form. I hear some people remove silencers and bring them indoors during winter. Not forgetting to seal off the exhaust pipes, of course.

Yikes

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Re: Preventing Silencer Rot
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2008, 06:19:16 PM »
Lars,  I've been looking around at mufflers to replace my OEM's when they finally won't cut it at inspection time.  How do your Sitos compare to the OEM's sound wise?  I think that Mac makes some replacements that are more affordable than the OEM's, but Ive read that they are louder and I like to shot for something in the lower decibel range.  

In truth, since I've religiously been using ear plugs, the loudness of my bike hasn't bothered me at all, although I do get a lot of "What the hell is that thing making that racket" looks as I overtake pedestrians and bicyclists.  I guess I'm saving lives. ;)

larstorders

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Re: Preventing Silencer Rot
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2008, 11:51:25 AM »
I'm very pleased with the sound of Sitos. A little deeper and louder than original equipment, but perfectly respectable. Nobody would complain they were too loud. They have a 'euro' stamp on them and a certificate stating they meet euro noise regulations so they've gotta be legal anywhere. passed MOT fine.
Quality control, may be an issue. I returned my first pair because they had been welded together 'carelessly'. They looked bog eyed  when mounted on the bike and obstructed the rear axle removal. The second set were much better.
« Last Edit: December 12, 2008, 11:52:21 AM by larstorders »