Replace catalytic converter

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walther40 · #1 Post by **walther40** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:12 am

I hit some road debris which substantially punctured my catalytic converter. Is this a difficult repair? Who may be a good resource for the new converter?

Gummiente · #2 Post by **Gummiente** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:28 am

Y'know, it would REALLY be helpful if you told us what make, model and year your bike is.

Johnj · #3 Post by **Johnj** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:29 am

Check with your local dealer for whatever manufacturer you have.

walther40 · #4 Post by **walther40** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:42 am

Make and model. Details, details. Sorry still a bit rattled. My day trip ruined.
2001 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1500 Fi.
And as it turns out it looks as if the part is actually the Chamber/Premuffler (part # 18004)
Thanks

Gummiente · #5 Post by **Gummiente** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 3:51 am

Yes, the resonator makes more sense - I don't think any Kawi's come with catalytic converters. Not much you can do if you're in a real hurry other than take the hit in your wallet at the nearest Kawi dealer and be prepared to wait awhile, unless they happen to have a spare system lying around because one of their customers wanted an aftermarket exhaust installed. Otherwise, you should join VROC and ask on their forum if anyone has a spare lying around. Most aftermarket exhaust systems eliminate the resonator, so chances are someone who's changed pipes still has the old system taking up space in their garage.

walther40 · #6 Post by **walther40** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:36 am

Resonator and chamber/premuffler are one in the same?

When searching part sites they have year and then vn1500 E4
" G3
" L2
My frame tag shows VN1500 L.

What is the significance here.

Have registered/joined VROC. Apparently it takes a few days to get VROC # and participate in forum.

Thanks again.

walther40 · #7 Post by **walther40** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:42 am

The hole is almost big enough to fit my finger. Will continued riding create further damage?
Thank you.

Gummiente · #8 Post by **Gummiente** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:44 am

Yes, I have a habit of calling it a resonator because of its function. When you join VROC you'll see the term "goat's bladder", that's the nickname they've given it because of its peculiar shape.

AFAIK, the "L" and "G" designations indicate whether it is a Nomad or a Classic model.

Gummiente · #9 Post by **Gummiente** » Sun Jun 28, 2009 4:48 am

walther40 wrote:The hole is almost big enough to fit my finger. Will continued riding create further damage?

There's no real risk of damage to the motor, as your FI system will think it is a lower restriction exhaust and compensate for it. However, you will notice the increase in noise and if the hole is large enough it may attract the attention of the local police. You can try a temporary fix in the form of muffler tape - it's an adhesive strip of light aluminum foil that is designed to wrap around holes in car mufflers as a temporary repair. The heat from the exhaust seals it into a half decent fix, but the surface area has to be fully scoured clean with a wire brush first in order for it to stick properly. You should be able to find the muffler tape at any Pep Boys or similar auto parts store.

walther40 · #10 Post by **walther40** » Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:50 pm

I am hearing welding as an option.

Anyone with educated thoughts on this as a valid or non valid option?

Thanks again.

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