Suzuki FA50 Moped Exhaust Cleaning

Removing excess carbon deposits inside a moped muffler.

Over time, carbon deposits inside your moped's muffler can lead to lower performance and unwanted noises. Roast your exhaust to remove those deposits, and then apply a fresh coat of paint to keep the outside clean and rust-free.

Hat tip to Moped Army, who provided the inspiration for this repair. Check them out for everything moped-related.

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Exhaust Pipe  ¶ 

  • Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the heat shield from the muffler.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • There are two 10 mm hex nuts attaching the muffler to the engine. Make sure you remove both of them before proceeding to the next step.

  • Use a 10 mm socket wrench to unscrew the two hex nuts.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Use a 12 mm socket wrench to unscrew the third and final hex nut that holds the muffler in place.

  • Make sure to support the muffler with your hand while removing this nut, otherwise it may just fall to the floor.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Suzuki FA50 Moped Exhaust Cleaning  ¶ 

  • Cover the engine exhaust hole with a plastic bag to keep excess debris from making its way into the engine block.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Start a fire in a charcoal grill with about three layers of coals.

    • A charcoal grill is ideal here, because you will be laying the muffler directly onto the coals.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Create a handle for the muffler by first feeding two ends of an unraveled wire coat hanger through the bolt holes on the exhaust flange.

  • Twist the two loose ends of wire together enough times that you can hold the muffler up without it falling off.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Place the muffler on top of the coals, allowing the piping and flange to hang over the edge of the grill. Make sure the coals cover the sides of the muffler.

  • You will hear a lot of popping as the metal of the muffler expands and the carbon deposits inside flake off and ignite.

  • After about 15 minutes, turn the muffler over on the coals and let it sit for 15 more minutes.

  • Even though the wire hanger was not directly on the coals, it is still may be very hot. Wear thick leather gloves or use a pair of tongs to grab the handle.

  • Remove the muffler from the grill, and return to your weekend barbecuing.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Lay the muffler down on concrete for about an hour to cool.

  • Grab the exhaust pipe and shake the ash out of the muffler.

  • If you do not want to paint your muffler before reinstalling it, remove the plastic bag from the engine exhaust hole and follow steps 1-3 in reverse order to reassemble your moped.

  • Use an old barbecue wire brush or metal scraper to remove rust from the outside of the muffler and piping.

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