Ask The Editors: Best ATV Exhaust for Underwater
The only way to be sure.
The stock muffler seems like it has a pretty small opening, which I believe would theoretically make it easier to keep the water out, but I know the stock muffler also has a spark arrestor and maybe some other stuff in there that could inhibit the outward pressure? The muffler I’m looking at possibly replacing it with is the HMF performance series. It looks like it has a much larger opening but also less stuff inside the muffler. Any input on this would be much appreciated
While a lot of riders seem to understand the importance of running a snorkel for air intake in deep mud or water, it seems far fewer realize the potential danger of a pushing on with a completely submerged exhaust.
While your thinking is correct that a less-complicated muffler and a blast of throttle should be enough to get you out of a tough spot, the truth is that spending any more than a few moments under water and letting the RPM dip even to idle momentarily is often enough to allow the muffler to fill.
Once the exhaust cools, the air escapes and that water can run directly back into your top end. This applies regardless of exhaust brand.
What we find, if there is the legit possibility of prolonged time spent submerged is to give your exhaust the same treatment that you gave the intake and run a snorkel.
There are kits all over the web for about $100, including a slip on from HMF. Cheap insurance.
