When to replace an exhaust

[dylansdad]

I'm running a standard TV175 S3 through a standard style exhaust of unknown origin. When I last replaced an exhaust - in the late 60's - I seem to remember that the test was to weigh it and compare it with the weight of the readily available (through any dealer) standard replacement. There was a "suggested" weight at which the old one was considered past it.

As various people now sell the standard design (which I'd like to stick to) they are bound to be different weights so this is presumably no longer the way to test it. So how do I know when the time has come and what suggestions do you have for a replacement if/when needed?

[rossclark]

Most would go with 'when the tail pipe falls off ' or 'when the engine bracket falls off' or 'when it just falls off'

[coaster]

Mark, the usual sign back then was when the engine started to lose power as the exhaust would be clogged with carbon and oil. But that was back in the days when we used to run them on coal or so you'd think from the amount of carbon that built up on the piston/head and exhaust port. Modern oils, especially semi and fully synthetic don't tend to soot up like that and exhausts could last for thousands of miles and as Ross suggested, would fall to bits before clogging. You could always pour some caustic soda in and leave over night, that should clear and carbon blockage.

[Norm]

My normal rule of thumb is "when someone brings out a new one which promises to sound better/give more power, etc."

[Adam_Winstone]

"when the engine started to lose power", great excuse thanks. Now I have something to blame my tuning attempts on

Adam

[stonerosesmod]

Personally,every 2 months

I love my Ancillotti until i see a tuned GP then i put the JL3 back on,then get fed up with the lack of low end grunt so the Ancillotti goes back on,then i see a tuned GP....and so on and so on



Sometimes im my own worst enemy

[coaster]

"when the engine started to lose power", great excuse thanks. Now I have something to blame my tuning attempts on

Adam

I worked in a motorcycle garage in Ipswich (yes it was also a Lambretta concessionaires) for 8 months after leaving school and 'de-cokes' were a very regular thing. I've seen exhaust ports almost completely blocked with carbon. Puch Maxi's and Raleigh Runabouts were bread and butter.

[IaninDorset]

Not hard to decoke an exhaust especially with the chemicals so freely available, I've got a complete stainless steel one which no doubt will need an occasional drink of something caustic...

[dylansdad]

thanks guys - I'll wait till it falls off then