Exhaust Damper

[Conman]

I had the exhaust silencer (muffler) off the other day so I thought I'd post a picture of the exhaust damper. It's probably something people are going to have to get to grips with because they all stick eventually 

I found it easiest to take the rear hanger off to get get access to the aluminium shield screws. When it comes to re-assembly I loosely assembled everything so the silencer was in the right position to mount with the hanger. Then I tightened the exhaust clamp bolt and the rest dropped in to place. When I took it, off the silencer sprung away from the hanger so it was obviously under some tension 

[neilb]

A very useful post. Thanks Conman.

[Dave G]

Great post Conman. I'm not mechanical in anyway so what is the valve for and how do you know when it sticks? or is it obvious?

[neilb]

I think I’m correct in saying that it cut down the noise level at low revs to make it more “civilised” when idling or at low speeds through town. It should open fully at around 4000 rpm enabling unrestricted gas flow and the lovely sound. If it sticks in the open position you will have a lot more noise at idle......you will definitely know it!

[Conman]

Apparently it was fitted to get the bike (and other Ducatis too) through type approval noise regulations. These are much harder than general roadworthy tests so once it's left the showroom it's not really needed. I understand that exhaust flaps are sometimes fitted to help improve performance (e.g. Yamaha Exup valve) but in this case it's not.

The control wire to mine broke a few months ago which means it springs to the fully open position. It's now not used thanks to a electronic override (a kidder) and is well and truly stuck open Did I notice a difference? Nope.

How do you know it's not working? When you turn on the ignition the valve goes through an initialisation sequence, if it can't the engine warning light comes on. Also if it sticks closed I'm sure you will notice a drop in power like someone's stuck a spud up your exhaust 

[resovoir]

Another question to ask is how is it maintained/serviced. You can be sure when winter approaches it will get a lot of muck on it. Would copper grease be a good idea as the valve will be operating at high temperatures? But does anyone know how to dismantle to service it? I expect looking at the spares book will give a clue?

[20220727]

I’m sure someone    could take the valve out completely & get the error code coded out 

[Conman]

I've just done a quick search through t'inter web. The actual term for the device is a "flapper valve". If you search "Ducati Flapper Valve Servo Eliminator" lots of stuff comes up. I'm saying no more because I have no idea if these are any good, how it affects your warranty, what the sellers are like etc etc. But if anybody gives it a go let us know how you get on.

[Murf46]

Originally Posted by Conman

I've just done a quick search through t'inter web. The actual term for the device is a "flapper valve". If you search "Ducati Flapper Valve Servo Eliminator" lots of stuff comes up. I'm saying no more because I have no idea if these are any good, how it affects your warranty, what the sellers are like etc etc. But if anybody gives it a go let us know how you get on.

I done a search on the interweb  you should have seen some of the results 

Mind I do get the letters  S & F  mixed up

[lather]

I read about a 950 that would barely run over 60/70 mph or so. Turned out the valve was stuck closed. He fixed it and said he used copper grease.