Front tunnel closure...?

[MikeWalters]

Just wondering what the advantages of closing off the front tunnel is?

Mine is open and I haven't noticed any problems, but I will have my sled apart this summer and wondering if it is worth it?

Thanks guys,

 

[yamahas]

Mine is open and will stay open.

I think an advantage to closing it would be less ice build up. I had ice come from the front hole down the side of the tunnel to my running boards when I was riding trails with 20-30cm's of snow for a few days in a row trying to get the trails ready for the groomer to pass. That's the only time I have had ice build up and I was able to kick it off.

Maybe also adds protection from possible rocks or ice chunks hitting and damaging the exhaust?

A disadvantage would be heat under the gas tank. And for that reason I will deal with the ice the odd time it builds up.

 

[marpolsdofer]

Mine is open and will stay open.

I think an advantage to closing it would be less ice build up. I had ice come from the front hole down the side of the tunnel to my running boards when I was riding trails with 20-30cm's of snow for a few days in a row trying to get the trails ready for the groomer to pass. That's the only time I have had ice build up and I was able to kick it off.

Maybe also adds protection from possible rocks or ice chunks hitting and damaging the exhaust?

A disadvantage would be heat under the gas tank. And for that reason I will deal with the ice the odd time it builds up.

They always suspect the ice damaging the exhaust.
I have had problem with the closer before. I had the stuff of the fuel tank melt to that underside plate. Everything was open to ventilation.

 

[birdmayon]

Wonder if it would be worth covering the hole with a piece of expanded metal, still allows spray and air to cool the exhaust while preventing ice chunks from hitting it.

 

[Ruckus]

4000 km on mine and zero issues. I beefed up my heat shielding.

 

[Jeffz]

4000 km on mine and zero issues. I beefed up my heat shielding.

I think this is the way to go. Add some header wrap, cover the tunnel and no more ice but you keep the exhaust cooler.

 

[xt_gt]

had both holes closed off before i had any miles on my sled. no issues at all.
just this last season when i had the rear section dismantled, i put on some header wrap that i had laying around.

 

[cannondale27]

I vote closed both holes but I do really keep an eye on all the heat shielding and have had to replace the fibre shields which arent cheap.Other than that 2 seasons no problems.

 

[ef x eh]

i have closed off both holes since new and have had no problems. 10,000 km and still goin.