[d20on20]

Bought a 2006 vtx 1800c with 1575 mi on it. Everything on it was stock except for Cobra Classic Deluxe Slashcuts exhaust. While its still winter and I haven't had it on the road yet, the pipes are extremely too hot with running the bike for just 4-5 mins. Without a professional opinion I think the bike is running lean? I bought a power commander 5 because it has no fuel management system and I plan to upgrage intake also. Any thoughts on why this is happening and if I'm on the right track for a fix...

 

[Darwin]

You usually don't need a air/fuel computer unless you purchase an aftermarket intake. I know you've said that you're planning on adding a new intake, but it makes me wonder why the pipes alone would cause your bike to run lean.

Why makes you say the pipes are 'extremely too hot'? Does your fan turn on?

The PC5 isn't a bad idea, but it won't correct the problem if your bike isn't running lean. That's why it's best to figure out if there's another problem, or no problem at all. There was a recent thread about a member adding a heat shield because his pipes were too hot for his taste:
http://www.vtxcafe.com/showthread.php/85051-Protection-from-rear-exhaust-pipe-heat

Check out that thread to see if your problems are similar to his. If so, then adding a heat shield may solve it though the C's pipes shouldn't be causing the same heat issues.

 

[d20on20]

Darwin- My fan does not turn on, however I have a few other cruiser riders who exclaim about the heat its producing. So when I hop on it I too notice that its quite hot.

As for my guess on it being lean, that is the consensus to pipes running extraordinarily hot on a few other threads/forums. If its not running lean it think it may be heating up idling as it has no air passing over it. I have a digital temp gun, so I will take a reading, so is there a temperature they should be at? I don't know very much as this is my 4th motorcycle but only my 1st cruiser style..

 

[Darwin]

Truthfully, I've read a lot of complaints about heat with 1800's with Cobra pipes. I don't know if this is completely a coincidence or if Cobra pipes on the 1800 have heat issues.

Heat issues with the earlier 1800's usually have something to do with a bad fuel pressure regulator. Your bike doesn't have a FPR since you have an external fuel pump.

If your fan isn't coming on then there are 4 obvious possibilities:

1. You're engine isn't getting hot enough to trigger the fan, so it's not running lean. If this is the case, then the problem is your pipes. Either a heat shield or possibly wrapping them might be the solution.
2. Your thermostat is stuck, or a fuse is blown.
3. Your fan isn't working, or a fuse is blown.
4. You're low on coolant.

Whatever the case, it's important to determine the problem BEFORE tweaking the air/fuel mixture with the PC5.

I could be way off the mark so also consider the opinions of others who chime in.

 

[Bassdude404]

Sure fire way to see if the engine is running lean, rich, or spot on is by pulling the plugs and having a look at them rather than guessing...

 

[Darwin]

Sure fire way to see if the engine is running lean, rich, or spot on is by pulling the plugs and having a look at them rather than guessing...

+1 What he said. :icon_chee

FYI: Bill is one of the VTX Cafe's most knowledgeable members.

 

[pman71]

Okay, let me share some observations with you. When I first purchased my bike, the exhaust got so hot, it would burn my leg at stop lights. I had to move my bike once after a long ride and only enough time to shower, I ran out with shorts on, threw my leg over and scared my leg. My girlfriends brother took his wife for a ride on it and he burnt his leg also (after I warned him). It was beyond hot!

I took the exhaust off to do something and found my crown nuts had been torqued so hard that they froze to the studs. I replaced the studs (came off with nuts) that were the same size and thread at ACE Hardware. Put open face nuts and washers on (suggested on this site all over). Also noted there was 4 crush gaskets in the head instead of 2 (suppose to be only 2). After installing new crush washers, it was much cooler (I had the same style set up as you).

Then I went to V&H Exhaust. Wow, what a world of difference, I do not feel even the slightest heat issue. I might even be able to wear shorts on it if I am going on a Gold wing parade or something?

Here is a thread on the V&H exhaust. http://www.vtxcafe.com/showthread.p...und-to-installing-the-Vance-amp-Hines-exhaust

I have more pictures but, I am spending too much time looking. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me.

 

[d20on20]

Thanks everyone. This is great help. I'm feeling more optimistic at finding a fix now. I just invested in the PC5, and that mod has now pushed me over $1100 for the winter so I was really hoping to wait until next year on new exhaust.

Pman71, I have the exact same burn marks on the rear pipe as you. The guy I purchased it from said he just put the cover on too soon after a ride which I now know was a lie, but I won't be able to dig into the bike until this weekend but I will definitely be getting back in touch with you as soon as possible. So did you conclude it was the pipes in general or the crush washers?

 

[Philscbx]

The infrared gun if not rated for above 600f - will simply show error.
Guns for higher rating cost double.
Pipes will be 900 easy - measure actual pipe vs heat shield.
Fan should have come on in 13 minutes or about.

Gun in general is great for measuring engine temp during cold start till fan comes on.
Cam tunnel side runs cooler of course vs opposite side.
Cam Tunnels are on opposite sides front to rear.

Sitting on it warming it up - place hand as indicated below.

Measure real temp -
rear cylinder left side
front cylinder right side
8 minutes - rear average 160 / front 180
Coolant feeds rear cylinder first - smart design.

Floor Fan - high output should always be placed off to the side of front wheel - opposite kickstand -
putting blanket of air down machine at about 45 degree angle - so some passes through other side.
Some have melted the side cover letting it stand too long.

I use the squirrel cage type - more power & directional flow.
Carpet guys use similar.
Square box fans - more than one for sure.