89VR Exhaust Question

[rmcclain]

There is a small hole in the front bottom of each muffler that I assume is a drain hole. when I push a small screw driver into he hole it only goes into the outer chamber of the muffler and not to the inside. I was running some Seafoam through the other day and noticed smoke coming out of the small drain holes. Is this normal for exhaust to come out of the drain holes? If you hold your hand under the hole the exhaust is coming out at a pretty good flow. Second question. I replaced the four engine exhaust gaskets. Now it appears that the left rear is leaking between the collector and rear left exhaust pipe. Should I have replaced the wide copper bands inside at each joint as well?

Edited June 17, 2009 by rmcclain
spelling

[ActionJax]

I'm having the exact same issue with a leak around the coupler. I've been told that we can use copper wire instead of the copper bands that are OEM. I haven't done it yet myself and would love to see some photos of how its supposed to look.

 

My wife dosen't want to ride with the exhaust fumes. So I really need to get this fixed too. LOL

[rmcclain]

I have also seen the threads regarding the copper wire. I'm usually not a short cut person so I will probably order the copper bands. I guess after 20 years the old ones worked fine until it was disturbed.

[GeorgeS]

the small hole is a moisture drain.

[MiCarl]

the small hole is a moisture drain.

 

The moisture that drains out the hole comes from the exhaust, which has a lot of water in it. You can see this at the tailpipe of your car on a cold day.

 

So, since it's open to the exhaust passages some exhaust will come through it. Not normally noticeable unless it's a cold day or you load up on the Sea Foam.

[Guest seuadr]

or you load up on the Sea Foam.

fun fact, seafoam works pretty good for fogging mosuitoes too!

[Evan]

That's what I like about this forum - I learn something new every day. When I bought my 88VR this spring, I noticed a small hole on the underside of each muffler near the front. I mentioned this to the previous owner and he said that he had bought replacement mufflers which came with the bike but were not yet installed. The holes are not in the identical position on each muffler. For safely check purposes, I inserted self tapping screws in these holes and after reading other threads, I also bought some J&B weld for when I got around to doing a proper patch. Now I am thinking that maybe I should just remove ther screws from these holes. Can anyone tell me where these drain holes are located so I know for sure?

[rmcclain]

On my 89 VR with original exhaust they are located on the bottom at the front of each muffler. They are about 1/8".

[GeorgeS]

Located at the lowest point, so water, and condensation will drain out.

Helps prevent Rust inside the cans.