2003 Exhaust Donut question.

[MAYamafan]

Hi Guys,

In the process of replacing my exhaust donuts and I am wondering if I can take all 3 heat shields off (2 on the exhaust "Y" pipes and the one off the muffler pipes)? I found 2 of the 3 loose and one was also cracked. I seem to remember hearing on this site that guys are taking them off, but can't seem to find the post. I also looked at the Yamaha Parts Fiche, and it looks like the 05's no longer have them anyway.

I have about 3,200 miles on the sled and it was getting pretty loud. The donuts looked good, with only one looking like it might have been leaking. The 2 gaskets between the exhaust "Y" pipes and the muffler seemed to be loose though, so I am going to replace those gaskets as well. (Parts are orderred, let's hope they come in as promised!).

I finished the seat mod yesterday, and used the 5" foam from JoAnn's Fabric. Getting the cover back on was a challenge to say the least, but I really like the firm feel of the seat. It looks just like the posts I have seen with the 4" foam, but is nice and firm. Just thought some of you would like to hear some experience with the 5" foam. An electric stapler was worth the $27 at Lowe's for doing this!

Now I can't wait to get this exhaust back together so I can give the seat a try!! Nothing like gettting a late start on the "Fall" projects!

Thanks for all the info on this site!!!

 

[grader]

you can safely remove the shields from the pipes, many were ripped off by the track. when you replace the donuts lay a bead of high heat copper silicone in each clamp. helps seal everything and stops new donuts from wearing out as fast. when you install muffler, grease inside the gaskets of each pipe makes them slide on easier.

 

[MAYamafan]

Thanks grader...I'll take all the heat shields off then. The one on the muffler pipe was going to come off on its own before too long anyway.

I was wondering about the copper silicone, but wasn't sure if it would hold up to the heat. I thought it might not, then would maybe leave the donuts loose if it melted out. I'll give it a try, and will grease the others when I put it back together next weekend. The worn out ones slide on really easy, but I am assuming the new ones are a whole lot tighter!

Thanks again for the info.

 

[grader]

if your clamps spin after being fully tightened, remove them and grind some off the contact point inside. do this check before the silicone, not as messy. the silicone may burn out but it cant hurt anything, and it still takes up some slack in the clamps anyway.

 

[Len Todd]

... when you install muffler, grease inside the gaskets of each pipe makes them slide on easier.

How about using Anti-seize. It seems to last a bit longer. Done this for decades. The donuts slip right on and off, when you take them off later, too.

 

[grader]

yes im sure the antisieze will work fine as well.