Venture Lite tunnel icing

[BombaPolaYama]

I have an 07' Venture lite. I got tired of breaking ice out of the tunnel and the added weight from the slush accumulation during a run.
I cut the oem muffler off, and replaced it with an automotive grade muffler but moving it to the rear of the tunnel with the discharge out the back above the bumper. I assumed the heat would be a problem on the cargo deck so I wrapped the muffler a high heat header wrap. I just put 400km on it and never had to break ice once. I believe I've solved my problem. If anyone wants pics, just email me

Interesting fix to the icing issue - would be great if you could post up the pics here so that we can all see what you did. Also, what muffler did you use and is it lighter than stock?

 

[Mooseman]

X2. I'm still dealing with ice and slush in the tunnel (not so much this year with the low amount of snow) so definitely interested.

One thing about the header wrap. Others have tried it and it would rot and fall apart over time. Most recommend to spray it with a protective coating, others have used heat paint with varying degrees of success to protect it.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I'm surprised that it worked without having a shield to deflect the snow/slush. I tried mine initially with just the extension out the back and it was worse for ice build-up than stock. I still haven't vented my rear deck to let the heat escape but everything is holding up and ice build-up is minimal. BTW, I installed a 1.5" track this season and didn't have any clearance issues with striking the shield.

 

[maim]

just a thought, but has anyone considered ceramic coating the exh like on a 2 stroke? would last better than the header wrap.

 

[yamahas]

just a thought, but has anyone considered ceramic coating the exh like on a 2 stroke? would last better than the header wrap.

Maybe something like this?

http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=104424

 

[BombaPolaYama]

just a thought, but has anyone considered ceramic coating the exh like on a 2 stroke? would last better than the header wrap.

So what destroys the header wrap? Is it the heat or exposure to the elements?
In addition to the shield, I wrapped mine with a high temp tape and it seems to be holding up so far (2yrs). If I had to do it again, I would just install the shield w/o the wrap to see how that worked first.

 

[Mooseman]

I would imagine it's a combination of heat and water over time that does it.

I think that it's the exposure to the muffler that melts/vaporizes the water which then re-freezes in the cold tunnel. Because it's such a large surface area, that's where the most melting would occur. What I might try is wrap the muffler with header wrap and then wrap that with aluminum tape to protect the wrap. The tape would have to be held with straps to keep it from unraveling.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I would imagine it's a combination of heat and water over time that does it.

I think that it's the exposure to the muffler that melts/vaporizes the water which then re-freezes in the cold tunnel. Because it's such a large surface area, that's where the most melting would occur. What I might try is wrap the muffler with header wrap and then wrap that with aluminum tape to protect the wrap. The tape would have to be held with straps to keep it from unraveling.

Like this?
http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php? ... ng&start=0 this:

 

[Mooseman]

I knew I got the idea from somewhere It will have to be a spring/summer project. Too busy riding now while I can before it all melts.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I would like to hear from the guy ("corchaz") who brought this thread back to life and tell us what he used for a muffler and whether or not it was lighter? Does anyone know what the stock muffler weighs?
The VL is a ton on the rear and a lighter muffler might be one way to lighten it up a bit.

 

[corchaz]

07' Venture lite exhaust modification to prevent major icing

As requested, pics of the modification of my venture lite. You can get a muffler from your local NAPA store (2" OFFSET inlet X 2" CENTER discharge. About 12-16" of 2" pipe. 2 each of 2"S/S strap clamps. About 8 feet of exhaust wrap. (this might be difficult to find). 4 S/S band clamps to hold the wrap in place. Finally, a fancy muffler tip. The ariginal muffler weight in around 12Lbs. The new one weighs in around 7-8 Lbs.

When you cut the old muffler off, it is quite difficult with out removing the whole exhaust, but possible. You need to cut right at the muffler, but there is a gusset welded from the pipe to the muffler which maked it difficult. Once you cut through everything, you will have to continue to remove the gusset. You will need to get creative with your grinder.

Once you remove the old muffler, measure the distance from where the new one will fit and the cut pipe. Put everything together and pit the strap clamps on and tighten.

You can cut off one of the S/S mounts from the old muffler and weld it to the new muffler inlet once everything is in place. Use the rubber mount that is closest the back of the sled.

I had to change my muffler due to it cracking not for the Icing. When I priced a new one at Yamaha for a 1000 bucks. I said to myself, Ill fix both problems. It has a nice rumble at idle, and sounds a bit like the 3 cylinder ventures when revving.

 

[Mooseman]

That looks like an awesome setup! And that wrap looks indestructible unlike regular header wrap. Would you know where someone could get some of that? Has this made any difference in the icing?

I had seen that exhaust tip in store and was thinking of getting one like that rather than just a single tip. Gives it that Ninja bike look

 

[corchaz]

Most of the Icing went away. There is still a small amount but it doesn't accumulate on the upper wheels anymore like before. When I stopped after a drive before, I used to have to break off about 30 Lbs of Ice before I took off again. Now I just drive.

The shielding you should be able to get from an Industrial Supply store. Its called Insulflex.
http://www.adlinsulflex.com/fire-blanke ... nket-96-oz

Thanks
Corchaz

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Good job - now I'll have to add the double outlet to mine!!LOL
So would you say if it is any quieter than stock?
Any pics after a ride to show how the icing issue is working out?

 

[canoehead]

just a thought, but has anyone considered ceramic coating the exh like on a 2 stroke? would last better than the header wrap.

I think UP Bushman has his done from the motor back incl. Flex joints..