I recently had my exhaust system off my 2004 Road King as the rear header had cracked and needed repairing. The crack was welded up & the headers refitted with new exhaust gaskets.

When I refitted the headers, I also put on a set of V&H Monster Oval mufflers. What I have noticed is that I am getting quite a lot of pop & crackle on decelaration but, only at a particular rev range (corresponds with approx passing through 40km/h in third with throttle shut).

I have also noticed that my fuel economy has dropped off a little as well; I'm wondering if I still might have a bit of a leak somewhere in my exhaust system, I have looked & sniffed & put my hand around various parts of the exhaust (joins, header pipes) & can't see or feel a leak but, is there another way to test for leaks that would make it obvious?

Alternatively, is it just the addition of the new mufflers? Do they just crack & pop a little more than others (had Kromewerks mufflers on before but, don't have them anymore)

It's a carburetted bike, running a 45 idle jet; I've already tried richening the idle mixture just a little but, to no avail. End of the mufflers are quite black with soot & the plugs are also a sooty black colour.

I've always understood that pop on decel is usually from running too lean when you shut the throttle but, visual indicators are that it might actually be a little too rich?? Can running rich cause pop on deceleration?

Or is is more likely that I still have an exhaust leak?

Thanks in advance for any advice

Might not be what you want to hear mate , but in my experience V&H are the "poppingest bastards around"

Now I know that's not good English but you get the general idea.

I have seen the header to muffler joint be "loose" on many occasions , sometimes exhaust sealant is a good idea.

Grab a handfull of rag and hold it over the outlet, the pressure build up will cause and suspect joint to leak.
Three bond 1207b 2072c will seal any joins.
If you have a tuner you can eliminate the pop if its a tune problem.

It's a carby bike ( remember those haha ??)

No "Tuner" help there