is an exhaust leak my problem

[turtle13]

So I finally got the gas tank Red Koted and sealed, and the new gauge cluster in, the lock set that I finally found on, and got the aero tuned in fairly well. Went out for a spin, came back, put all the panels back on, and now it runs like crap again. This seems to be how this scoot acts. Runs great till I get the panels on, then it hates me... Could an exhaust leak be the source of my issue. I have read (can't remember if it was here or not) that on our engines an exhaust leak can lead to really random and erratic performance. I don't have any kind of exhaust gasket in between the jug and the pipe, if this is my issue, where can I get one or how can I make one.

[Lunytune]

Runs great till I get the panels on, then it hates me

Seems to me, your problem is the panels. Leave em off!
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist that one.

Yes, exhaust could cause some problems, but what else are you doing different when you install the panels? Something simple like putting cover on airbox? I say that because I found one scooter that bogs with cover and filter in place, but pull the cover and filter, and it runs fine. Since I don't want to run without cover and filter, I'm at a quandry to solve the problem.

[turtle13]

the funny thing is that i changed absolutely nothing... can i just take some brass sheet that i have and make a flat gasket, instead of a ring gasket that it should come with?

[Bear45-70]

the funny thing is that i changed absolutely nothing... can i just take some brass sheet that i have and make a flat gasket, instead of a ring gasket that it should come with?

Then with no other changes, except the panels, then yes the exhaust leak can cause your issue.

[Lunytune]

the funny thing is that i changed absolutely nothing... can i just take some brass sheet that i have and make a flat gasket, instead of a ring gasket that it should come with?

Seems I read somewhere that Hondasan's ring gasket is like $3. I don't think you will get the leak stopped with the flat gasket. The sealing is in the recess where the ring fits.

[808BMW]

I run a flat gasket (not homemade though) and it seals fine.
I just pulled off a leaky pipe (cracked, not the gasket area) and it was randomly bogging while riding, wanted to die at stops, and generally ran like crap.

My friends and I run these, but that's cause we have big bores and big exhausts

[turtle13]

I run a flat gasket (not homemade though) and it seals fine.
I just pulled off a leaky pipe (cracked, not the gasket area) and it was randomly bogging while riding, wanted to die at stops, and generally ran like crap.

My friends and I run these, but that's cause we have big bores and big exhausts

big bore vs stock bore, they both need the seal. so is that a yes that i can run a flat gasket? but probably just as long as it is pretty thick and not of the paper variety or something that will burn/melt...
or after some research i have read that copper pipe cut down and annealed does the job too... unfortunately due to the new house i an completely flat broke... and if i can fashion one until i can order one that would be best, so i can get it to where i wont have to tune when i do order one and put it on.

[coolbeans]

or after some research i have read that copper pipe cut down and annealed does the job too... unfortunately due to the new house i an completely flat broke... and if i can fashion one until i can order one that would be best, so i can get it to where i wont have to tune when i do order one and put it on.

Yea, that's me...I'm still running with it, too. I haven't had to break out the Honda gasket yet. I think I used about a 1/4 in. slice of 1" pipe or maybe a 3/4" coupler. I hammered it a bit on the anvil of a bench vise to roll the edge in and make it a bit wider then heat to red with a propane torch and quench to get it dead soft again (hammering it hardens the copper). I had to try a couple to get the thickness right, but it worked in a pinch and I haven't had to replace it yet.

I got the idea from reading about someone making flat gaskets out of flat stock copper sheeting. You could try that too, if you had some.

[808BMW]

Yes, it is ok to run a flat gasket, as long as you make sure it seals well

[turtle13]

so how thick is the o ring gasket? i have some couplers in the base
ent that i can use, but since i dont have a stock one to compare it to, i would be shooting in the dark...