Muffler Carbon Removal

Discussion specific to the various air-cooled KDX models sold in the USA
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SRRobirds
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Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by SRRobirds »

Hi All -

Newby here with a "new" 1986 KDX200 I'm reviving. It has the stock pipe and muffler that I'd like to decarbon. I've had good luck with a propane torch on two stroke pipes over the years, but I'm not sure that's prudent with a sealed muffler that presumably contains fiberglass or some other packing material.

What have you guys done to remove carbon from your mufflers?

Thanks for your help with this.
arjay200
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Re: Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by arjay200 »

You'll need to pull it apart and repack it with fresh silencer material. It's not 'cleanable' as a complete unit without disassembly - definitely don't heat it up with a torch. I can't remember how the stock muffler is put together but it should be screwed or riveted. Could also be worth investing in a lightweight FMF tail pipe. Good luck, great to see another C series getting a new lease of life :grin:
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KDXGarage
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Re: Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by KDXGarage »

A long piece of braided wire in a drill chuck spun slowly will loosen carbon inside a pipe. BE CAREFUL! Also, it will cause a huge mess. Wear breathing and eye protection. If the end comes out at speed, it WILL flail you.

I doubt there is any packing material in the 1986 - 1988 spark arrestors. There is a little tailpiece / deflector in it. Otherwise, it does not pull apart like a modern or aftermarket unit.

Try some round small wire brushes.
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kdxsully
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Re: Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by kdxsully »

My answer equalizer is riveted and I don’t think it has any packing in it. Maybe a solvent bath could loosen things up in there. Sounds more idea than spinning a wire brush in there and coating your lungs.
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Re: Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by KDXGarage »

He's talking about stock pipe and spark arrestor.
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SRRobirds
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Re: Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by SRRobirds »

Thanks for the replies. I ended up heating the muffler with a propane torch with burned out the residual oil. There didn't seem to be a way to wire brush it using a drill like I did with the pipe (worked great, BTW!). I'll ride it with the cleaned out pipe and torched muffler and check performance. May go with an aftermarket muffler at some point if only to have a way to maintain it.

Thanks again for you help with this.
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Re: Muffler Carbon Removal

Post by KDXGarage »

One other top is to use oven cleaner, but BE CAREFUL with it. Aluminum does not like it.
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