Removing dents from 2 stroke pipes

[k10seibel]

Just thought I'd share my first experiences removing dents. This has been on my to do list for a while, but I've been apprehensive to try due to safety concerns. After some Youtube research and a prospective pipe buyer nudge, I made the leap. I wish I had taken pictures of the first pipe I did yesterday (was just so nervous). It was a TRX 250R PSI "sea horse" pipe, dented in over an inch deep. I was so impressed with how well/easy the dent came out. My son watched from over/behind me with amazement. Creases are hard to completely remove, and are probably a weak/stress point, so I didn't want to over heat/pressurize with false hopes of making things perfect.
Anyway, I only needed 25-30 psi. Just keep in mind as heat builds psi pressure will increase. So, make sure your plugs are sound and safety wire them if you're not 100% sure they'll hold. Although all the videos I watched showed shop air use, I chose to use Argon (inert/non flammable) from my welder for added safety. Less the possible pipe bomb/boom factor! Old carbon oily spooge, + compressed air, + high heat, = :wondering. Some videos showed guys using up to 80 psi :crazy:. I used a rose bud tip (oxy-propylene), so I'm not sure if that made the expansion go that much easier, but 25 psi was quite enough. A complete blow out would be very scary! Please BE CAREFUL if you try this, but I was so happy saving a bunch of pipes I almost tossed in the steel bin.

ATC 250R Jemco *BEFORE*
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*AFTER*




TRX 250R Selvy *BEFORE*

[Bigred]

Nice id be scared to.lol

[kb250r]

Nice...ive watched those Y-T vids as well...sketchy stuff man...good work....

[havinnoj]

Nice work!

[pinned250r]

now to try the filling with water and freezing method? lol.

[rablack21]

now to try the filling with water and freezing method? lol.

This seems to be a safer method, just gotta check the pipe pretty often to make sure you aren't leaving it for too long.

[pinned250r]

exactly, it is probably alot more safe, but alot less in your control too...

[k10seibel]

I've tried the water freeze method. Maybe just my error/lack of patience, but I didn't have any luck and it seemed like a waist of time for me. I know others have had success though. Here's a couple picks of the "sea horse" PSI pipe after the fact. This was a big deep dent. The dotted line is where it had a sharp crease.

[rsss396]

Nice write up!  Yes make sure the caps are wired on, because they shoot out with a heck of a loud bang and you will about crap your drawers! don't ask how I now hahaha

[chadlwa]

Only problem with the freezing method is the wife says "what the heck were you thinking" when she opens the freezer door

[mrtwidster1]

Thanks Andy for the post!! I will do my Selvy's and Jemco this way. I like the Idea of using argon too.

[Langbolt]

Like Dave Suggests.....be sure to safety wire the plugs you put in each end! As an extra safety measure flush the pipe with boiling hot water....pour right out of the kettle....the steam will vaporize any fuel left in the pipe.....I fixed a buddy's YZ250 pipe for him and didn't safety wire the expansion plug in the small end.....when i heated the dent with Meps gas (the yellow cylinders used for brazing....burns hotter than propane) to a cherry red.....***BANG***.....that little plug shot out like a 12 gauge slug!!!! right through the drywall in my garage and GONE!!...it would have killed me if it hit me in the head!!!! So play it safe boys and girls! SAFETY WIRE