| | | High Performance Bicycle Engine Tips We all want our bicycle engines to push our bikes faster. Get exclusive engine modification tips and suggestions from us. | Tanaka pipe problems. Discussion at Motorized Bicycle Engine Kit Forum in the High Performance Bicycle Engine Tips forum. I got hold of the tuned pipe finally and its fairly well built and of good quality.
However I am ...  | 
05-08-2008, 09:35 AM
|  | Motorized Bicycle Elite Member | | Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 292
| | Tanaka pipe problems. I got hold of the tuned pipe finally and its fairly well built and of good quality.
However I am having some problems. the first of which being that the manifold part is about 3 inches longer than expected so all in all the exhaust in total is long enough that it is sticking out inline with the handlebars on that side... not really what I want.
My first question is can I shorten the manifold length without any problems?
The second problem is that when the bike hits 31mph it spits the pipe out of the manifold at one end and the silencer at the other. I am guessing that means the pipe 'comes on' at that speed. What can I use to seal it so I dont have an unguided missile attached to the back of a bike. I have tried an interferance fit and superglued the joint to no avail...
I am going to try and have a word with a local exhaust fitter so I can get the manifold pipe bent 90 degrees and might even get them to fit it up for me if their price is good.
Jemma xx | 
05-08-2008, 09:44 AM
|  | Custom Builder / Dealer | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Posts: 1,434
| | Re: Tanaka pipe problems. If you engine is a 4-stroke, the length of the pipe shouldn't matter that much...
If the pipe keeps coming apart like that, it could mean too much back pressure? | 
05-08-2008, 10:09 AM
|  | Godfather of Motorized Bicycles | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ashtabula county, Ohio
Posts: 7,121
| | Re: Tanaka pipe problems. Jemma- If you change the length of the pipe ahead of the chamber, you'll change the RPM that it comes on the pipe. Shortening makes it (manifold) makes it get up on the pipe at a higher RPM. For optimal power, you'll need to find the RPM at which your engine makes the best torque and then set the pipe to come on there, for highest speed, find your peak horsepower RPM and set the pipe to come on there. Either way you will experience a large gain over a small range of RPM. You will more than likely have to play with the jetting a little so you don't burn your engine up, you will have to go richer for sure!
Also, could you just drill a couple of small holes and use some self tapping sheet metal screws or rivets to hold it all together? Three set at 120 degrees apart should be strongest.
__________________ If it ain't broke, and you mess with it long enough, it will be. | 
05-08-2008, 02:39 PM
|  | Motorized Bicycle Elite Member | | Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Essex, UK
Posts: 292
| | Re: Tanaka pipe problems. Hi Joe,
I was hoping that it was the opposite - shortening would drop the RPMs because if it comes on the pipe at 31mph headwinds of any strength would make the thing useless unless I get a longer manifold built.
There is not a single company in my town who can or will help me adjust the shape or length of the manifold - even 'engineering firms' cant or wont. Is it me or are are people getting less helpful as the years go on?
I did think about drilling and tapped screws but there is very little room to do that and I dont want to block things up any...
I'll think of something..
Jemma xx | 
05-08-2008, 02:59 PM
|  | Godfather of Motorized Bicycles | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ashtabula county, Ohio
Posts: 7,121
| | Re: Tanaka pipe problems. Do ou have a photo of the pipe? I could brainstorm more if I could see the pipe.
If you use small. 1/8" rivets, very little will be inside the pipe to block flow.
__________________ If it ain't broke, and you mess with it long enough, it will be. | 
05-08-2008, 03:58 PM
|  | Moderator | | Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pampa, Texas
Posts: 1,715
| | Re: Tanaka pipe problems. Jemma, could you put a self tapping screw in. Then take it back out and grind the end off the screw where it would just barely go through and then put it back in with some JB Weld. That should hold it..........
__________________ There are only 10 kinds of people in this world. Those that understand binary and those that don't............
Become a Forever Family, it'll change your life. http://www.galtx.org/ http://bdconner.com | | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes | Linear Mode |
Posting Rules
| You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts HTML code is Off | | | All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:10 PM. | | | Sponsors
| | To be a sponsor Contact Us | | | | |
Donations accepted!
| |