too hot

[old stoner]

I have a 2001 1800 trike . I just noticed the plastic part in front of passenger floorboard above heat shield has got so hot that it is melted and looks like caramel! Anyone have an idea what that is about? Thanks

[Red Wing One]

I have a 2001 1800 trike . I just noticed the plastic part in front of passenger floorboard above heat shield has got so hot that it is melted and looks like caramel! Anyone have an idea what that is about? Thanks

Can you post pictures? Are you talking about the side cover.....what side is it....

[GoldWingrGreg]

Can you post pictures? Are you talking about the side cover.....what side is it....

Or maybe the chrome piece above the valve cover ??? I'm confused too !!!

[trike lady]

The removable cover to access the oil dip stick, usually gray, black or chrome?

[old stoner]

no, the small gray plastic part on right side behind passenger floorboard directly above the chrome heat shield for exaust. It almost touches the heat shield

[GoldWingrGreg]

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/searc...AME/parts.html

Part #9 is the left side, part #8 is for the right but not pictured.

The only heat in that area is from an exhaust system. It sounds like your exhaust system needs inspected.

[old stoner]

Thanks to everyone that responded. I must have leak on that side causing the extra heat in that area. I will take a look at it .

[GoldWingrGreg]

Thanks to everyone that responded. I must have leak on that side causing the extra heat in that area. I will take a look at it .

You could be right, but I was thinking more like an exhaust system that has bottomed out, and its pipe pushed upward/outwards towards the damaged plastic part. If that's the case, contrasting the alignment from one side to another can be helpful in finding your problem. Actually, just step back from the rear and look to see if the exhaust tips sit even fro left to right.

If it's a leak, there are 3 ways I find them. First I listen, that often pinpoints the area. Then I'll look for black soot where the pipes join. As a last resort, without touching the hot pipe, I'll wave my hand over the area to feel the exhaust blast.