Question on V7 Exhaust System

[cbrider]

Anybody know when the V7s started having a catalytic converter inside the mufflers? I know my 2014 has them, but did the 2010 Classic have a cat in the muffler?

[SmithSwede]

2013 has a cat in muffler

[Kev m]

I'm not 100% but I thought it all started with the motor change in 2013 (the start of the 1TB motors with the dual O2 sensors).

But maybe someone will chime in if they know for certain whether a version of the previous 2TB V7C had them too.

[cbrider]

I'm not 100% but I thought it all started with the motor change in 2013 (the start of the 1TB motors with the dual O2 sensors).

But maybe someone will chime in if they know for certain whether a version of the previous 2TB V7C had them too.

Thanks, my stock 2014 had a problem with surging on start last week, and I kept it running thinking it would clear up. Instead it either leaned out the left side or dumped raw fuel into the left muffler (that's what I suspect) and lit it off there, blueing the chrome on the muffler where the cat is. Blueing on header pipes looks great, but a muffler with a blue ring not so much.

I plan to purchase beetle's map when the cables I ordered arrive.

I found a set of 2010 Classic mufflers, but am not sure what map to use if I install stock mufflers without cats.

[malik]

I believe the V7C had the catalytic converters in both mufflers. They are heavy enough. And there's nothing inside the stock header pipes but another skin, and the crossover-come-colostomy bag is empty. I also seem to remember some about cats in the mufflers in the owners manual, but not sure. I do know that ditching the mufflers freed up the mid range significantly.

[Kev m]

Has anyone compared part numbers yet?

[Kev m]

OK, part numbers didn't help, as they are different. And ironically there are two different mufflers listed for each side on the 2010 V7C.

That said, the V7C brochure was pretty clear that it does HAVE a cat-con (the pdf I have is in Italian - catalizzato a 3 vie con sonda Lambda or "3-way catalyst with Lambda probe"), and judging from Malik's post it's probably safe to assume it's in the mufflers.

I'll keep digging though.


EDIT - Hmmmm, could be wrong, but the service manual kinda reads like it is in the cross over (though I'd still be tempted to trust Malik over that):

Removing the tail pipe

* Loosen the clamp between the exhaust end and the catalytic converter.
* Unscrew and remove the silencer fixing nut and collect the screw and the bushing.
* Remove the exhaust end.

[cbrider]

I found a schematic for the 2010 V7C that shows what is labeled an "expansion chamber" (part #978955) in the middle of the cross-over tube with a single lambda probe in it.  The 2014 V7 has lambda probes in each of the header pipes. 

I bet Malik is right and the mufflers do have the cat inside. The different part numbers could be for something as minor as the emissions markings. My 2014 Stone is marked E11 and E3.

Thanks for the help guys!

[sign216]

My 2009 V7 has cat converters inside each muffler.  The expansion chamber crossover between the mufflers is empty.  The theory for the exp chamber, is that it has similar performance attributes as a 2 stroke exp chamber, but not as pronounced.  A straight crossover would be cheaper, so it must have reason. 

Like the theory of Intelligent Design - everything has a purpose.   

[Toecutter]

CBRider...

I'd bet a beer that your issue is the plug caps. Your Cat is probably cooked... but the plug caps are definitely the culprit. Change them out. I've got another post on here with the caps and plugs to use in it.

[cbrider]

CBRider...

I'd bet a beer that your issue is the plug caps. Your Cat is probably cooked... but the plug caps are definitely the culprit. Change them out. I've got another post on here with the caps and plugs to use in it.

Hi Toecutter, thanks for the tip. I had found your thread of your and your wife's bikes having the problem with the plug caps. I checked my plug caps and they don't have any evidence of wearing through at the elbow or any evidence of arcing to the head. My bike came with NGK caps. I will check it again though.

My problem was when I first started the bike on a cold morning. It fired and stalled before starting. I tried again, and it started up and surged to over 6000 rpm with the throttle closed and then stalled. (I probably didn't give the ecu time to reset). After several more attempts it started and I was able to keep it going, although it was still surging between 2000 and 4000 rpm. After a few minutes of this is when the left muffler blued. I don't think an arcing spark plug would make it surge up like that, but I may be wrong.

[SmithSwede]

If it is the OEM, all rubber NGK spark plug cap, then definitely replace it with the far superior, phenolic NGK cap.  XD05F

Take the original rubber caps and burn them for at least an hour in a hot fire under a full moon.   Then bury the ashes far from home and at least 1000 feet from a public roadway.   You want them deep in the ground, covered with a cup of salt, 2 nickels, and a bunch of chicken bones.

They are that bad.     

[cbrider]

If it is the OEM, all rubber NGK spark plug cap, then definitely replace it with the far superior, phenolic NGK cap.  XD05F

Take the original rubber caps and burn them for at least an hour in a hot fire under a full moon.   Then bury the ashes far from home and at least 1000 feet from a public roadway.   You want them deep in the ground, covered with a cup of salt, 2 nickels, and a bunch of chicken bones.

They are that bad.   

Come on now, tell us how you really feel about them! 

OK, you convinced me. New phenolic caps are in my future, with proper disposal of these old crappy caps!

[Kev m]

If it is the OEM, all rubber NGK spark plug cap, then definitely replace it with the far superior, phenolic NGK cap.  XD05F

Maybe this will be the year I finally bother.... MAYBE...

[Hymes Inc.]

Those plug caps are no good. I have the blued muffler to prove it too.

[cbrider]

My XD05F plug caps will arrive Thursday, and only $9.20 for the pair including shipping, so I guess that's cheap insurance!

I also found a like new replacement muffler that was a take-off when a guy replaced his with an aftermarket system.  After my cables arrive and I install the new map, I'll ride it to make sure all is well and then install the new muffler.

Then I won't have the blues anymore, well except where they belong on the header pipes.

Thanks for all the advice.