Undenting Pipe

TwoSmokeDS · 08-21-2012, 10:07 PM

My bike ran into a tree. The dent is about 3/4" deep.
I am thinking about:

drilling a hole,
using a slide hammer to pull out the dent, and
welding the hole closed.

Would that work? Thanks!

MaxxTraxx · 08-21-2012, 10:25 PM

I know some guys who have successfully filled the pipe with water and frozen it...the water can pop the dent out.

Keep in mind though, while the slide hammer method will work, it will bend the pipe outwards as metal always stretches when it bends slightly. so it will never be exactly how it was before it was bent, it just wont be dented in anymore, but slightly pulled out.

Waco · 08-21-2012, 10:32 PM

I vote "don't worry about it", assuming that it hasn't made a noticeable change in performance.

chaissos · 08-22-2012, 04:56 AM

I remember an old mechanic (I knew him when I was 12) who had some special thing that would go inside a pipe, and he'd use a compressor to expand it, then he'd simply pull it out.

I wish I could remember more, but that was a fair while ago.

DFW_Warrior · 08-22-2012, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waco

I vote "don't worry about it", assuming that it hasn't made a noticeable change in performance.

I would go with this. From the picture, the location of the bend isn't really hampering HP in any way. You are probably losing .5 HP over it at best.

budzrex · 08-22-2012, 05:53 AM

A. Don't let your bike go play without you anymore as from your description it ran into a tree not you ran it into a tree

B if you get two rubber plugs and seal the ends of the pipe one plug having a fitting attached to it so you can add air 15 -25 pounds is enough, then using a torch slowly heat the area and the air will expand and pop out the dent out. Pipe will be discolored

Caution improperly tightened plugs can become projectiles when heat is supplied

Smoky14 · 08-22-2012, 06:56 AM

Yes that method will work, or, if you want to hide the repair cut a hole on the other side of the pipe, heat it pound it out and weld a patch over the working hole. Have fixed a lot of pipes both ways. Just takes time a patience.

tshelfer · 08-22-2012, 08:36 AM

I try to buy all my parts pre-dented. Saves a lot of worry on the other end.

SilverBullet · 08-22-2012, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFW_Warrior

I would go with this. From the picture, the location of the bend isn't really hampering HP in any way. You are probably losing .5 HP over it at best.

Yep this is the best advise for us non racers. Also now you won't feel so bad when you get the next dent in the pipe (you will). Once you run out of fingers on your hand to count the dents then think about repairing or replacing. There are companies you can send your pipe off to that will return it like new for around $80. Or you just buy a new pipe for $196. My recommendation would be to buy a new pipe after running out of counting fingers. Then install and send your old pipe out for repair. This way no downtime and you have a like new pipe to swap out when the new pipe gets too dented (it will).

FMF Gnarly KDX220 on Ebay

Next time try going over the log instead of into it as it clears the pipe better, haha.

_

**EdSidders** · 08-22-2012, 10:09 AM

Add a few more dents on the opposite side , that will balance the flow....

08-22-2012, 10:44 AM

Some women seem to have more character with dimples, like Cindy Crawford. I would leave it alone if it was me. With my skills, I would probably make the dent worse.

RB

TwoSmokeDS · 08-22-2012, 11:22 AM

Well, I already have a welding machine and a slide hammer from doing some backyard auto body repair work. I must as well try it. Couldn't be any worse.

I need a pipe guard for KDX.

**bronco78** · 08-22-2012, 12:20 PM

I hate to admit failure. But failed I have four times in removing dents from pipes. Twice on two strokes twice on 4 strokes.

Tried the freezing on a cr125 pipe. And split the pipe at the seam. Hammered back together, welded it and let my son run it till a new pipe came in.

Tried freezing on my rm250, other then making the pipe really cold...... It did not move the dents.

Tried heat on a muzzy stainless steel header. It did start to move the dent. But not cleanly and it started to blow out.

Tried heat on. Yz450 header. Did not start movIng and I had it at about 15psi and cherry red. I quit before I ruined the pipe.

I have no doubt both methods work. But I was not able to make it work for me. I just send um out now

frijole_tex · 08-22-2012, 01:25 PM

I've heard if you rub a couple pictures of Benjamin Franklin on the pipe, the dent might disappear.

OLDERMXER · 08-22-2012, 01:46 PM

I'd leave the pipe as is but add some oil.

If you are not a welder or very skilled at it you will do more damage than good trying to weld on something as thin as your pipe. Gas welding with a torch is the best method. Tig would work if you could get it clean enough on the inside. Try stick welding & you will most likely be buying a new pipe. If it is chrome plated that presents another issue to deal with. trust:

DaveC · 08-22-2012, 01:54 PM

What dent? I thought all 2 stroke pipes had that "feature".

DFW_Warrior · 08-22-2012, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDERMXER

If it is chrome plated that presents another issue to deal with. trust:

From the pic, it looks like it. Not to mention the raw metal spot that will be left from the welder that will eventually rust.

DaveAlvarado · 08-22-2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoSmokeDS

I must as well try it. Couldn't be any worse.

Strongly disagree:

There's a dent - YouTube

SilverBullet · 08-22-2012, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDERMXER

If it is chrome plated that presents another issue to deal with. trust:

That pipe is nickel plated. Not sure if that is any better than chrome for welding though.

_

wanabeguru · 08-22-2012, 04:06 PM

Per post #18:
BEAUTIFUL, way better than any foolish comment I could add!

08-21-2012, 10:25 PM	#2
MaxxTraxx Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sachse, Tx Posts: 987	Re: Undenting Pipe I know some guys who have successfully filled the pipe with water and frozen it...the water can pop the dent out. Keep in mind though, while the slide hammer method will work, it will bend the pipe outwards as metal always stretches when it bends slightly. so it will never be exactly how it was before it was bent, it just wont be dented in anymore, but slightly pulled out. __________________ Bryan If you really want to know what's going on, watch what's happening at least five cars ahead CMA Saints On Steel 1985 Honda XL350R Back in the dirt!! 2003 Honda Shadow 750 ACE daily rider 2006 suzuki DRZ400 gone.

08-21-2012, 10:32 PM	#3
Waco Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Waco Posts: 1,537	Re: Undenting Pipe I vote "don't worry about it", assuming that it hasn't made a noticeable change in performance. __________________ Dale

08-22-2012, 04:56 AM	#4
chaissos Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Cibolo, TX 78108 Posts: 236	Re: Undenting Pipe I remember an old mechanic (I knew him when I was 12) who had some special thing that would go inside a pipe, and he'd use a compressor to expand it, then he'd simply pull it out. I wish I could remember more, but that was a fair while ago. __________________ Scott 2012 "STutter", STOC# 8642 My garage: 2012 ST1300, 2004 Toyota 4Runner, 2001 Volkswagon Jetta, 1997 SeaDoo GTX, 1955 Triumph T-100 Dead or Gone: 2010 Honda ST1300, 1975 Yamaha XS500,1986 Honda VF500FII, 1982 Yamaha XZ550 Vision, 1978 Honda CB250N,1974 Yamaha RD350, 1972 Yamaha DS7, More I can't even remember

08-22-2012, 05:53 AM	#6
budzrex Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Braunfels Texas Posts: 2,990	Re: Undenting Pipe A. Don't let your bike go play without you anymore as from your description it ran into a tree not you ran it into a tree B if you get two rubber plugs and seal the ends of the pipe one plug having a fitting attached to it so you can add air 15 -25 pounds is enough, then using a torch slowly heat the area and the air will expand and pop out the dent out. Pipe will be discolored Caution improperly tightened plugs can become projectiles when heat is supplied __________________ 2000 ZRX 1992 RM250 2004 XR400R Plated 2003 Mini Cooper S The best times in life are often behind bars just pick horizontal ones

08-22-2012, 06:56 AM	#7
Smoky14 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Alamogordo NM Posts: 105	Re: Undenting Pipe Yes that method will work, or, if you want to hide the repair cut a hole on the other side of the pipe, heat it pound it out and weld a patch over the working hole. Have fixed a lot of pipes both ways. Just takes time a patience. __________________ 2005 Bandit 1200

08-21-2012, 10:07 PM	#1
TwoSmokeDS Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clear Lake Posts: 2,116	Undenting Pipe My bike ran into a tree. The dent is about 3/4" deep. I am thinking about: drilling a hole, using a slide hammer to pull out the dent, and welding the hole closed. Would that work? Thanks!

08-22-2012, 08:36 AM	#8
tshelfer Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Arlington Posts: 4,928	Re: Undenting Pipe I try to buy all my parts pre-dented. Saves a lot of worry on the other end. __________________ Tim in Arlington '05 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Preach the gospel. And if necessary, use words - Francis of Assisi

08-22-2012, 10:09 AM	#10
EdSidders Forum Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Lake-O-The-Pines(Ore City) Posts: 840	Re: Undenting Pipe Add a few more dents on the opposite side , that will balance the flow.... __________________ A Wild and Crazy teenager stuck in a Broken Down Old Fart's Body..... It's Never Too Late To Have A HAPPY CHILDHOOD 60+ Years on 2 wheels 79 Triumph 750 Bonneville survivor 4K Miles 74 Moto Guzzi Eldorado California/Ural Sidecar project 08 Honda Rebel - Gas sipper 07 Yamaha FJR 79 Kaw KZ1000ST Vetter/Kaw factory option Dressed (Gone to motorcycle Purgatory , Good UJM but never had a Soul)

08-22-2012, 10:44 AM	#11
Red Brown Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Undenting Pipe Some women seem to have more character with dimples, like Cindy Crawford. I would leave it alone if it was me. With my skills, I would probably make the dent worse. RB

08-22-2012, 11:22 AM	#12
TwoSmokeDS Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Clear Lake Posts: 2,116	Re: Undenting Pipe Well, I already have a welding machine and a slide hammer from doing some backyard auto body repair work. I must as well try it. Couldn't be any worse. I need a pipe guard for KDX.

08-22-2012, 12:20 PM	#13
bronco78 Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kempner, TX Posts: 1,969	Re: Undenting Pipe I hate to admit failure. But failed I have four times in removing dents from pipes. Twice on two strokes twice on 4 strokes. Tried the freezing on a cr125 pipe. And split the pipe at the seam. Hammered back together, welded it and let my son run it till a new pipe came in. Tried freezing on my rm250, other then making the pipe really cold...... It did not move the dents. Tried heat on a muzzy stainless steel header. It did start to move the dent. But not cleanly and it started to blow out. Tried heat on. Yz450 header. Did not start movIng and I had it at about 15psi and cherry red. I quit before I ruined the pipe. I have no doubt both methods work. But I was not able to make it work for me. I just send um out now __________________ Non offensive, diminutive signature placed here that provides no help to anyone what so ever in communication of potential help or common interest. Last edited by bronco78; 08-22-2012 at 12:26 PM.

08-22-2012, 01:25 PM	#14
frijole_tex Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin Posts: 210	Re: Undenting Pipe I've heard if you rub a couple pictures of Benjamin Franklin on the pipe, the dent might disappear. __________________ 02 BMW R1150GS 01 Yamaha TTR 250 83 Suzuki GS 850 (Cafe project)

08-22-2012, 01:46 PM	#15
OLDERMXER Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dayton,Texas Posts: 658	Re: Undenting Pipe I'd leave the pipe as is but add some oil. If you are not a welder or very skilled at it you will do more damage than good trying to weld on something as thin as your pipe. Gas welding with a torch is the best method. Tig would work if you could get it clean enough on the inside. Try stick welding & you will most likely be buying a new pipe. If it is chrome plated that presents another issue to deal with. trust: __________________ Bryan 08 KXF250

08-22-2012, 04:06 PM	#20
wanabeguru Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: RIO DELL, CA Posts: 4,674	Re: Undenting Pipe Per post #18: BEAUTIFUL, way better than any foolish comment I could add! __________________ Wally[electronics technician] 2007 RED BANDIT Last edited by wanabeguru; 08-22-2012 at 04:07 PM. Reason: add explanation

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