RLV R4 Pipe - why so bad???

Troy V Smith · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 11:54 am Post subject:

I am now on the second RLV R4H pipe this year. The first lasted me most of the year, the newest of the two (ordered to replace the first cracked one) has lasted me no more than two track days! This is ridiculous. Both of my pipes have cracked in the same place, just forward of the spring clip hoops - are others in the same place or is this an issue with just the way I mount the pipe? You'd think the pipe to be a little more reliable...either way. With as much as we pay for them, they shouldn't be disposable, or in need of repair after a few days!

It's great that they repair them, but for cryin out loud, I'd think a dependable pipe would be included in the $325 sale price!

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joseph hollinger · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 1:51 pm Post subject:

Whats the grey stuff under the hose clamps?
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Sam Zavaglia · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 4:29 pm Post subject:

Troy,
Not saying it is but wondering if the heat generated by the installation/weld of your EGT nut is a factor in weakening that area?

Joe,
They grey stuff looks right up your alley, I could imagine your kart with that stuff all over protecting everything. At first I thought it was your kart but then I couldn't see an ST GFS.
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Chris Reinhardt · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 4:49 pm Post subject:

Howie Idelson · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 5:23 pm Post subject:

Why not install the EGT bung at the factory? If you wanna use it drill it out, if not leave it. It would be in the same location for al and data could be shared if you wanted. Jus sayin...Also, how bout a heat shield?
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Troy V Smith · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject:

Yea Guys - you're right on target with the heat/weld causing the issue. I just got an email back from Rod at RLV and he has said that was most likely the cause as well. So, let me ask - where are most folks installing the bung for EGT - as obviously this spot (or welding) hasn't worked out well for me? Does brazing the bung work out pretty well?

I completely agree with Howie - install the bung at the factory if it is going to cause issues like this!

Tha material around the pipe is .02 gasket material. One, I use it to prevent scaring up of the pipe due to hose clamps, and secondly, I thought it would add just a small bit of cushion without too much flex. Doesn't hold in heat like a wrap would either.
_________________
TVS Motorsports -
"We may not be the fastest on the track...
but we're having the most FUN!"

Chris Reinhardt · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 6:53 pm Post subject:

Troy V Smith · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:15 pm Post subject:

A $500 pipe would have done me way better than the now 3 @ $325. Rolling Eyes

So can anyone fix this one, or is it to the scrap heap?
_________________
TVS Motorsports -
"We may not be the fastest on the track...
but we're having the most FUN!"

Howie Idelson · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:32 pm Post subject:

I've done work for two of the largest pipe manufacturers. I have an understanding of the cost of building stamped and welded pipes. $325 even $225 is excessive.
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Howie Idelson
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Sam Zavaglia · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:13 pm Post subject:

I've bronzed a M5 nut with great success for EGT into R4H, still no problems. Same stuff as used by RLV on the exhaust spring lugs.
Some people may like their EGT bungs in a different position or size to what the factory may do, so best left not done. Wink

I would have your pipe fixed with an oxy and some wire, what's it called Chris "fusion welding", real easy repair, the same way sectioned pipes are welded together.

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Erik Maxfield · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 8:40 pm Post subject:

I braze my EGT bungs on and do not have issues with cracking. Not that it matters much but I road race, Routinely see over 1350 EGT (with 1000 minimum) on long straights and do not have much of an issue with cracking.

Just a data point.

(That EGT is with 110 octane FYI... do not get that high with 100 octane) The EGT bung is in roughly the same area.
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Jimmy McNeil · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:18 pm Post subject:

I had a icc pipe crack near the egt bung I welded, I had put it under water to cool it off. A local Machine told me that was a no no. Let it cool off gradualy, no water. Dont know if thats B.S. Just repeating what I was told.

Like I said earlier, I think they had a bad batch, Ive been running the same pipe most of the year with no problems and the new pipe seems to be working well.

Alex King · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 9:51 pm Post subject:

If they indeed had a bad batch and they acknowledged it - that would be great for consumer confidence, but wouldn't that also prompt for a factory recall (on the bad batch)?

Chris Reinhardt · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 3:49 am Post subject:

Chris Reinhardt · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 3:53 am Post subject: