Can a Muffler Clog Up?

[twowheel]

Trying to fix up my recently purchased 150T-12 Adventure scooter and noticed there wasn't an exhaust maniflod gasket on the scooter. So I installed one and put the muffler back on and started the bike. Started right up and ran good but I noticed there wasn't any exhaust coming out of the muffler. Not one bit!
I put my face and ear right up to the end of the muffler - - - nothing at all, nada, zippo.
Do these things clog up, and if so, how do I clean it?

thanks,
- - - Twowheel

[reynoldston]

I had something build a nest in mine and cloged it. It ran bad. I took the exhust system off . Then I made a long tube to fit by air compressor hose and cleaned it out that way.

[Bong]

First off Yes. An exhaust can become clogged with carbon build up or a nest from your local critters.

Now, if there was NO exhaust the scoot wont run. Test it yourself. Put your finger, A Banana whatever on the tip. It will not run!!!!

Are you sure there was no gasket or did it possibly get pushed inside. Just my guess but, if no air is coming from the muffler tip the air is escaping at the header pipe either at the manifold or the muffler connection.

Others will know better but, I do know the air is going somewhere or you wont even be able to idle the scoot.

[twowheel]

There was definetly no gasket. I removed the muffler, and looked under the scooter with a light. I then installed one and started the scooter. No exhaust was coming out of the end of the muffler. I put my hand under the scooter and could feel air flow, probably exhaust. Where it was coming from, I do not know.

Anyone know how to clean a clogged muffler. Is this a common problem. What's causing it?

[Bong]

Let me rephrase my answer. Possible yes, Likely No!!! How many miles on the scoot? Is it a 1 piece exhaust or, a muffler and header pipe??? Are you air cooled or liquid?

I ask because the air you felt maybe coming from the cooling shroud. not the exhaust

Does the scoot run ok??? Any bogging or hesitation???

I am not an expert by any means and more of a 50cc guy but, If your running ok there shouldn't be a problem.

More likely an air leak than clogged. Others will know better than me guaranteed ;D

[litninrod]

To clean it out, take it off and pour some carb cleaner or diesel fuel in it. Slosh it around. Pour it out. Let it dry out then bang on it with a rubber mallet or the heel of your hand to see if anything shakes loose.

[twowheel]

May 1, 2011 20:49:10 GMT -5 Bong said:

Let me rephrase my answer. Possible yes, Likely No!!! How many miles on the scoot? Is it a 1 piece exhaust or, a muffler and header pipe??? Are you air cooled or liquid?

D

It only has 1000 miles on it and is air cooled. The muffler and header pipe is one piece welded construction. It can't be taken apart.

[Bluefront]

These things can run for a little while even if completely clogged.....eventually they'll bog down.

The airflow you can feel from underneath may be the output airflow from the fan......all the exhaust will come out the exhaust end unless the pipe/muffler is split.

I doubt the thing is carbon clogged since it's so new.....may be a baffle plate broke/shifted and is blocking the flow. A mouse nest or something is a possibility.....hard to get out of there.

[twowheel]

I removed the muffler, corked up one end and filled it with gas (would of probably been cheaper to buy a new muffler, consirering the price of gas). Then set it in a 5 gal bucket, in case it leaked, to soak overnight.

Drained out gas and blew it out with a compressed air line. That seemed to work. I now have exhaust flow!

thanks to everyone for the help.
- - - - Twowheel

[sprocket]

Well that is an interesting approach twowheel... what ever works I guess...