SuzukiSavage.com - Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas?

Tyler Pebley

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Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas?
05/17/05 at 03:43:13

So I bought my used 1997 Savage with 12,000 miles on it. It wasn't really clean or in the best shape but looked ok to me. So i've been riding it for about 2 weeks off and on and it has been ok.

There has been no backfire except for on shutdown. HOWEVER, I went riding yesterday and all of a sudden it seemed really bad. It would backfire really bad everytime I rolled off of the throttle. I have NOT done the white spacer thing.

Does it sound like a bad spark plug or maybe it needs a carb tune up? Thanks for the help. Tyler

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Kropatchek Serious Thumper Offline Why more than 1 cylinder? Posts: 1457 Alphen a/d Rijn Netherlands Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #1 - 05/17/05 at 04:05:30 Bet you switched to RES shortly after. When you almost reach the Res level in the fueltank there might be an interruption in fuelflow causing a momentairy lean situation. I switch to RES at that moment and look for the next available gasstation. Don't forget to switch back to ON after refueling. Greetz Kropatchek
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Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #2 - 05/17/05 at 04:11:40 you might want to check if all the exhaust bolts are tight from the head on back
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WD

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Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas?
Reply #3 - 05/17/05 at 07:56:32

Definitely check/tighten the exhaust flange bolts. The Savage is really bad about shaking them loose. I was on the way to lunch yesterday, had to turn around and head back to work because the bike got so loud.

Once the exhaust bolt inspections are done, fire up the bike and take a close listen to the top end of the engine. You might be due/overdue for a valve adjustment. My bike is, but, on the bright side, it will be the first adjustment needed in just shy of 12,500 miles of riding. I've checked them before, just haven't NEEDED to adjust them yet.
-WD

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Savage_Greg Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Don't go around your ass to reach your elbow... Posts: 7844 SW Washington State Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #4 - 05/17/05 at 10:41:02 Reelthing wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05: you might want to check if all the exhaust bolts are tight from the head on back Yep. And check the muffler clamp?
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Savage_Rob Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Mechanically Inclined Amateur Posts: 6972 Texas (Dallas area) Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #5 - 05/17/05 at 11:10:58 Definitely. I dropped a lot of backfiring when I fixed my header-to-muffler leak.
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gandalph40

Ex Member

Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas?
Reply #6 - 05/18/05 at 10:00:59

I would check the entire exhaust system before anything else. Mine has just over 13k on it now, and everytime this happens (yes, it's happened more than once), the Sporty muffler I'm running has been leaking at the connection to the header pipe. I cannot get it any tighter without the sealer, but, the flip-side is, I only have to tighten it about every 1000 miles.

Run the whole pipe, check all your connections and I'll bet you find one loose.

If not, then, get into the head!

Tom

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Savage_Rob

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Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas?
Reply #7 - 05/18/05 at 11:10:02

I tried all kinds of stuff to get a good seal. The putty seemed to work for a while and then it started to leak again. I recently picked up some repair tape for mufflers and catalytic converters at the local Autozone and put in around the connection between the header and muffler. We'll see if it holds very long. I think what I really need to do next time I get by the Autozone is pick up a U-bolt muffler clamp and use it instead of the type that came with the muffler.

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WD Serious Thumper 2005 No Login Offline Professional "scooter trash". Posts: 5207 Rosemark TN Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #8 - 05/18/05 at 18:33:01 The muffler repair tape lasts exactly 2.2 miles and falls apart. I tried it last month, went back to u-bolt exhaust clamps because I can't find the good ones locally (miniature Kenworth style band clamp). -WD
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gazab44

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Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas?
Reply #9 - 05/19/05 at 01:23:52

WD wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05:

The muffler repair tape lasts exactly 2.2 miles and falls apart. I tried it last month, went back to u-bolt exhaust clamps because I can't find the good ones locally (miniature Kenworth style band clamp).
-WD

I have also used repair tape..only lasted 2 miles Angry

..you must of bought the good stuff WD LOL

Bought new clamp, some shimming..so far so good

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Savage_Rob Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Mechanically Inclined Amateur Posts: 6972 Texas (Dallas area) Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #10 - 05/19/05 at 06:09:54 ROFL! Okay, I won't expect much and I'll get a u-bolt clamp this weekend. WD: Is this the type of clamp you're talking about?
Back to top	1998\|MAC muffler\|ceramic coated header\|K&N air filter\|Amal Mk2 carb\|Odyssey battery\|iridium plug\|NC windshield\|Dunlop 491s\|Superbrace\|EBC brake rotor\|12.5" Progressive shocks\|Kuryakyn ISO grips IP Logged

Reelthing Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Fish or ride that is the question Posts: 5397 Houston,Tx Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #11 - 05/19/05 at 06:21:37 dang that should do it!
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WD Serious Thumper 2005 No Login Offline Professional "scooter trash". Posts: 5207 Rosemark TN Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #12 - 05/19/05 at 07:20:30 That would be the critter in question. I could get a stainless steel unit from JC Whitney, but after the exhaust and grip/lever cover fiascos, I'll never order from them again. I need a 1 15/16 by 2 inch unit, or the pipe is getting welded solid. -WD
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Savage_Rob Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Mechanically Inclined Amateur Posts: 6972 Texas (Dallas area) Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #13 - 05/19/05 at 08:43:58 There is a 2" version available at http://www.jegs.com/, where that photo comes from.
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gazab44 Senior Member 2004 No Login Offline TO OLD TO DIE YOUNG.... Posts: 416 uk Gender:	Re: Backfire just got REALLY bad, ideas? Reply #14 - 05/20/05 at 02:15:58 Savage_Rob wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:05: WD: Is this the type of clamp you're talking about? http://www.jegs.com/photos/55530730.jpg WOW !! thats neater than my silencer...oops muffler LOL
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