I'm new to the forums but have been looking around here for some time. Can't seem to find an exact answer to my question so decided to ask. Getting a series of pops when letting of the throttle and it doesn't return to idle consistently, will kind of hang out at 3k for a few secs then drop to 1500 and idle smooth from there. Plugs indicate a rich mixture, but haven't fouled any. It seems to consume a lot of fuel, maybe 8mpg bombing around pulling sleds etc. I bought it a month ago and would barely idle and do nothing else, removed and cleaned carbs,jets etc, removed auto lube and mix now due to over oiling, mixing at 45:1 ratio running 87 octane. It runs great, no hesitation at any temp and seems to have a lot of power, will wind up to 7800 rpm no prob.125 comp both holes. It has a phazer primary clutch, engages at 4k seems a little high. Is the popping normal? Will it hurt any thing? There is a small crack in the stock pipe at the 2nd bend, there was a hole that we welded but still peals a tiny bit. Is this a serious problem? Any info,input, advice I would love, this is all new to me again, haven't had a sled since 1985. This Exciter is in near mint condition with 4500 miles. Thanks, fuzz.
NB-Snowgoer
New member
You should fix the crack in your exhaust first before checking anything else, it maybe the cause of your popping noise.
theo125
New member
I agree I think the crack might be the cause.
As far as your engagement goes my 89 exciter kicks in around 3800 so you are not that far off.
As far as your engagement goes my 89 exciter kicks in around 3800 so you are not that far off.
Thanks for the replies, just to clarify I hear the popping in the y before the pipe, no sound coming from the crack, and not a backfire out the pipe, or lean cough in the carbs. It is just a little wet in that one spot on the pipe which tells me it is leaking a little. What kind of mileage are you getting? Does 8 seem low?
theo125
New member
OK-I gotcha now. Mine was leaking out between the Y and pipe. It might be a redneck fix but I separated the pieces and put a bead of the copper high heat gasket maker between and put the springs back on. After it sat overnight I hit it with some black paint so it is not noticeable. I did not look at the microfiche, but I imagine there is some sort of copper gasket or something that goes in between.
Doesn't appear to be leaking there, the POP is within the pipe, maybe I am worried for nothing. For its size it sure puts out ponies, maybe its just a normal thing on these engines. I may try the copper sealer any way, good idea, and get the weld to stop leaking. Is there more info to be found regarding this vintage Exciter? I have the clymer manual, very helpful. Is there a forum strictly for these some where?
theo125
New member
I wish there was. The guys on here are extremely sharp. Do a search and if you keep hunting, most likely you will find it.
Is your pipe stock? I had a gutted pipe that was on when I bought and it was quite loud and poppy. Did nothing but scare the kids : )
I put the stock back on and quieted it down and actually ran better.
Maybe someone gutted your pipe along the way-just a thought.
Is your pipe stock? I had a gutted pipe that was on when I bought and it was quite loud and poppy. Did nothing but scare the kids : )
I put the stock back on and quieted it down and actually ran better.
Maybe someone gutted your pipe along the way-just a thought.
Learned today that the POP is more than likely unburned fuel igniting in the pipe due to a rich condition, confirmed by the plugs and fuel mileage. Surprised I'm not fouling any plugs. Thought I would post the info. And it is the stock pipe, doesn't appear to be gutted.
Wanted to be sure it wasn't a lean pop, deathly scared of a burn down. Will keep tweaking those carbs till its right. I Love that silly old sled, really moves for its age.
Wanted to be sure it wasn't a lean pop, deathly scared of a burn down. Will keep tweaking those carbs till its right. I Love that silly old sled, really moves for its age.