Yeah, yeesh. I'm in Monterey, CA right now. But they probably won't let me carry it on.

 

Got a stethoscope and it *does* appear to be coming from the tensioner. Is this something that I need to replace asap and not ride on, or will it be ok to let it slap while I build up some money to buy a new one?

 

If you let it rev to the point where the rattle is and it's not from the tensioner, where is it from? Valves? Side panel rattle? Has to come from somewhere.

As for a tensioner, it can be ridden for a few thou without any concern, but worth doing as soon as possible, just because of possible wear. It is a cheap fix all considered. Since you are in the U.S. it is only a $42.80 expense. You see, I make and sell them. Any U.S. state or territory is that much since I use the flat rate priority small box. Out of the U.S. is quite expensive, $60.95 to Canada and $70.95 for the rest of the world. Still not high dollar compared to most stuff, especially considering it will never wear out and need replaced.


When it comes to the exhaust, if you can do it as carry on or checked I'd do that. The pipe could be wrapped with paper, but left open on the ends for inspection if they let you do carry on, or put in a suit case wrapped up and diagonally or in a gear bag for checking in the hold. I did do some numbers in USPS calculator for Hawaii and found that 30 lb in a 30" long 12" wide, 12" tall box is $67.60 priority and $55.78 parcel. Not horrible, but you could check it in a package on a flight for less.

 

Oh man, I meant to say that it *does* seem to be the tensioner. The clicking was most clear in the stethoscope when I had it resting on the tensioner.

That's great, I'll get one. Can you recommend a good video tutorial for a non-mechanic?

 

Hey man. Spending some time in Oregon right now. You don't still have that stock exhaust do you? Is it really for a 2006?

 

Yep hanging in my garage, still looks brand new.

 

^ You're not the only one!