Modern Vespa

I have a 2005 GT200 with about 10,400 miles on it. A few hundred miles ago I noticed excess exhaust noise. I assume that it was the exhaust bushing so I removed the muffler and replaced it. The old bushing didn't look like it was in bad shape but I replaced it anyway with the Yamaha equivalent that I found referenced on this site(thanks). It seemed to be a little bit quieter but I think that it's still louder than normal. I am certain that the bushing was installed correctly and was not damaged in the process. I have three questions:

1) Is it likely that the packing in the muffler is wearing out and has anyone experienced this?

2) Can you repack the muffler?

3) Is it likely that the gasket where the exhaust exits the cylinder head has gone bad and how do you check for that without removing the exhaust completely? (I thought about misting water in that area with a spray bottle while the engine is idling to check for leaks that way)

As always thank you for your input.

My GT still has the original exhaust and almost has 20k on it. Here's the kicker...the exhaust bushing has NEVER been replaced. I've removed the exhaust either at the head or have just been crazy careful to install it back exactly how it sat prior.

Now on to your other questions. No, the exhaust can't be replaced. It's totally sealed and there is no way to get inside. There is no gasket at the head...just three bolts that hold it on. Yes, it could be getting louder as the silencers wear and rust out.

My exhaust looks brand new with the exception of a white line about midway down that has developed. It must be the part that gets the hottest and over time it has faded the paint in that spot.

Hope this was helpful. Sorry for my ramblings.

The exhaust bushing on my '05 GT200 did blow out a couple of years ago and made the bike quite noisy. When I replaced the bushing, I made and installed a flange, clamped to the exhaust pipe with a hose clamp, that precludes the bushing from blowing out "foreward" on the exhaust pipe.

Check out moto amore's brass gasket replacement. It's about the same as a piaggio carbon, but doesn't wear out.

It may however result in broken manifold studs or a broken downpipe if it isn't fitted to allow for expansion movement. Not such a huge problem on the GT200, as the original exhaust (2003 at least) had no exhaust collar anyway. And that original exhaust on the Hornet is still going strong...

Thank you for the replies. I didn't think that the muffler could be repacked but I thought that I would ask anyway. As I said the original gasket(bushing) didn't look like it had "blown" but I replaced it anyway. The excess noise is noticable but not extremely loud. Maybe the packing in the muffler is just wearing out.

Richard H Lemmon - my downpipe had a ridge on it that keeps the bushing from sliding forward on the downpipe. I installed the bushing on the downpipe up to the ridge and then carefully slid the muffler pipe over the bushing. It was actually quite easy to install.

It may be a bit harder for the GT, but look for used replacements from someone who upgraded to an aftermarket exhaust. They can go pretty cheap.
$100 or so.

Erico in Denver has one currently on eBay but at the price listed they must have been up all night processing buds and smokin'.