Holes in Mufflers

I bought an 82 Maxim 550 a while back with only 3,500 kms on it. The bike sat in a shed most of its life which I know is both good and bad thing. I got it running with minimal effort and quickly addressed what I thought could be safety risks (new tires, front brake lines, front/rear brake pads/drums). Also a few cosmetic things such as strip/paint the tank, new bars/mirros, and that's about it. The bike runs great so now its time to move on to the next issue:

Both mufflers have quarter'ish sized holes where water collected (right next to the exhaust collector). The result is that the bike is very loud... It sounds pretty bad @ss but I would prefer the mufflers to be doing their job. Any suggestions on whether this can be fixed? Is there a way to patch or wrap the holes? Or do I have to replace the mufflers all together? I'm trying to keep this on the cheap so not looking to replace but if I have to then that's what I'll do.

Btw I'm a total newb at this so please keep that in mind (no welding etc). Don't have any pics of the holes but I'll try to get some posted soon.

Thanks Dave

 

The only cheap thing that will look pretty good to cover those holes is to put rivets...

 

Post pics of the holes. Rivets will do. Braizing can be done and will look better. Did you rebuild the caliper and master cylinder? Check valve clearances?

 

Thanks. Here is what the holes look like.

I've rebuilt the caliper and master but haven't checked the valve clearances.

 

With holes that size you cna figure on the metal being too thin to weld or braze fro at least 1/4" past the edge of the holes. You'd be looking at having a patch made and fixed over the outside of the exhaust. It would be an ugly, but functional repair that would get you by for a while until you can find/afford replacements.

 

My muffler had a big hole like that and was cracked right by where the center stand rests. Had a good friend weld a plate on and weld around the crack. It's not gorgeous, but it'll hold for quite some time.

 

I had some rust holes in my XJ550 Seca pipes and I used some muffler patch puddy that is a two part puddy. It might have been an epoxy type product. It was specifically for muffler repair. So far so good and it is cheap. Maybe around $5.

 

since it's only temporary (those sure aren't gonna last too long)......I'd recommend getting some muffler bandage and do it that way.

Dave F

 

Thanks. Depending on what I can find at the store I think I'll give the epoxy and/or wrap a try. The wrap won't look the best but if it's black at least it'll go with the bike.

Appreciate the info guys. Will post the results this weekend.