Any Can Am guys here? Got a couple questions.

[400gs6]

I've got an '80 Can Am Qualifier that's a very low use bike, probably less than 500 orig miles. This weekend I rode the Dave & Larry's ride and although I have played with this bike around the house and on the street for a bit, I was very dissapointed with the power in the woods. It was close to gutless unless you really wrang it's neck.

When we got back to the truck, I pulled the silencer to see if it was corking it up and it sure was. With the silencer removed (hideously loud!) it really woke up, ripped pretty good and would wheelie just by turning the throttle.

My question is, was the stock silencer (extremely quiet) really restrictive or is my silencer plugged up with spooge? Were aftermarket, less restrictive silencers popular and available for the Qualifiers?

My second question concerns the stock K&N filter. Are these K&N's the way to go with an old Can Am? Are they my only option as it is a very unique filter that threads on to the air box? Why I ask is when I returned from this event yesterday, I removed the filter to see if it too could possibly be holding back the motor some. The filter was a bit wet and muddy from the event but no debris had passed through. With the silencer pulled and the filter removed (don't worry, I cleaned the air box ) I took the bike for a ride with the filter and silencer removed and it was a totally different bike. The old 'Ham wanted to wheelie as soon as it came on the pipe with mad wheel spin. It really came alive much more than you would expect and felt very strong for a 250.

Do K&N filters pack up and get restrictive when wet like a paper filter? Yes, it was dirty but not terribly.

Thanks in advance, replies would be greatly appreciated!

Kurt

[Jeff D]

I'd try cleaning out that silencer and repacking it.  The stock silencer properly clean and packed shouldn't be any louder than any other bike.  I've seen several Canned Hams with aftermarket FMF silencers on them, probably a universal fit one.
You should probably be able to get a new air filter from one of the Canned Ham experts out there.  Try Al Roberts down in Texas.  He is sometimes hard to connect with due to his work hours, but he is great to deal with and can answer any questions you have.  You can google him to find contact info.  The Rotax mills are notoriously strong engines.  I've got a 400 in my SWM and it has all the power one could ever wish for, kind of like a 400 Penton!

Jeff DeBell

[400gs6]

Thanks for the reply Jeff, I've pulled out the end unit of the silencer and it appears to be clear but in need of new packing.  I'm thinking the silencer is clogged deep within the pipe as I can not see ANY light passing through when I stick a flashlight in either end.

As for a new filter, would you suggest another K&N (I'm presentlly cleaning it) or is there a decent foam filer available that would include a new threaed cage?

Kurt

[sdm]

Yep sounds like the muffler is plugged or a combination of the two things as you suspect. The Can Ams I had all used a foam filter held on by a metal plate and 3 springs. It worked really well for me. The K&N that screws on to the air box I believe replaces a screw on ring that screws on to the airbox over another metal seat for the foam filter to seat on to. I think that Uni still sells the foam filters for Can Ams. The K&N is probably fine as long as it doesn't have any holes if cleaned and reoiled but they will plug up if they get too dirty and I am not sure about the water issue. The stock muffler on the Qualifiers were very quiet but mine didn't seem to bother the power which makes me think that yours is plugged.
Hope this helps
Sam

[400gs6]

Thanks Sam, I really appreciate the input!

-Kurt

[400gs6]

Thanks for the help gentlemen, the problem is solved!

I burned out the silencer with an acetylene torch and installed the cleaned K&N filter.  The bike now runs better than it ever has.

-I think I'd like to find a foam filter & cage/mount as it seems the K&N really chokes when wet.  

Greatly appreciated!

Kurt