i don't know if this new sound is a problem or not but i'd like some feedback regardless. it seems that when i initially give my cat some throttle, the muffler emits a low bellowing noise in other words, a bass type sound. plus, the exhaust pipe is rusting and there is a slight build-up of soot at the junction of the pipe and muffler. could there possibly be a flow problem, thus slowing the flow of exhaust gases creating back flow. if the muffler ends up bad, what kind of muffler can i replace it with and can i use a larger diameter pipe if space allows??????

thanks,

texascat [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Believe it or not, mine did the same thing at around 750 miles. There was a sudden change in the engine sound and it actually seemed to be running better. Upon examination I found that the clamp on the muffler was a little loose. I just snugged it were it had moved to and haven't worried about it since. I also have that soot deposit where it leaks, so what It's not hurting anything there. I now have 3000+ miles on it. I now have a noise on my cat that is most irritating. The heat shield has start to vibrat just at it's most forward part. All the screws are tight. Guess I'll put a washer behind it and see if that helps.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

You might also check for moisture in the muffler. Just remove the drain plug and see if anything comes out. Be carefull though, it's brass and very easy to twist off. Might want to spray some penetrating oil on it first.

 

The carbon buildup is because Arctic Cat can't design a muffler that fits on the head pipe well enough to seal it up. I don't believe I've seen a cat with actual miles on it with out this external carbon.

About the bolt, it's a real bitch to get off. I broke 2 12mm or 14mm wrenches trying to get it off till I finially got a GOOD quality wrench and was able to pry it off. You are supposed to run your front wheels on a slight incline pull the plug and rev the motor to get all the carbon build up blown out. One Time I removed my plug and it was COMPLETLY blocked up with carbon, I had to take a screw driver to break it up. But it blew out pretty good after that.

 

Minehunter....You may want to check the two bolts that hold on the exhaust header bracket. The two bolts hold a bracket that holds the exhaust pipe up to the engine. One of my bolts rattled right out and the other was loose, this caused a pretty loud rattle.

Just a thought........

 

To quiet the exhaust shield take all the bolts out, usually the rear one has already rattled out by now anyway, replace all the star washers with normal lockwashers and put some "green" loctite on them, they should stay tight, mine have. Also check the heat shield on the airbox, mine had come loose and was rattling, the 3 self tappers were loose and rattling on the aluminum shield. Aczr2k

 

Going riding this Sunday. Wanna go?

Jason

 

Hey Dakota, just curious where do you go ride around here. I live a little North of you in Spring Branch.

 

My folks own about 800 acres in Jackson County which is about 15 miles from Edna down by Victoria off of Highway 111 and 77. We also have another 200 acres in the very south corner of Bastrop County off of Highway 304. Texascat has been out there once or twice. Great for mud and we've got some nice woods, trails, and sand to play in. It hasn't rained in awhile so the mud is down abit. Check out some of my pics at the home page listed below to get an idea of the terrain and stuff. We'll get together soon and I'll take you guys out there for some dirty fun!

Jason

 

Yea. My ride only has 250 miles and I noticed carbon build up already last weekend.

 

well dakotart how the hell are ya?? man a sunday ride sounds great but i have already obligated myself to work out at fayette county's newest addition to the "club" scene. about 100 of us rednecks from the land of the chicken ranch now have a gun club and the only way to get it operational before hunting season is for us members to work on weekends. believe me my cat is going to get worked pretty hard this weekend between that and having to start sorting and moving over 1100 railroad ties we now own. by the way, if you want you can join our gun club for an initial fee of $150.00. we are going to have pistol ranges, 100-300 yd rifle ranges, sporting clays, skeet, trap, and country doubles. the fee includes your whole family and you can also bring your atvs for transportation between stations and for the sporting clays course. maybe we can arrange a short ride for sometime around the fourth of july b/c that is the time where LOUD noises don't draw much attention. i've been thinking of knew "devices" to make a real "impact" on the 4th and new years if you know what i mean.

texas"pyro"cat