I have an early 80's BF 100 and Im thinking it has an exhaust leak. It chokes out with the hood on. The air inlet holes in the cover are clear. I have looked over the exhaust pipe as much as possible without dissasembly and cant see anything out of place.

How long is the metal pipe and how does it seal on the bottom?
Is there a common problem with these engines to look for?

I did a compression test. I forgot to open the throttle plate 1st but still had 90 lbs. Not great but I think to good for a head gasket leak

If it has an exhaust leak that bad should be able to see it or hear it leaking around engine or at base of engine.

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It has me baffled. The pipe looks new. I used a mirror and looked it over pretty good. The gasket where it bolts to head seems to be intact. I was thinking maybe where it conects on the other end but like you said its kind of odd that would smother it enough to make it run poor. I was going to pull the lower unit off and look but I kind of need a repair guide. I cant afford $40 for a repair guide right now so I think it will need to wait until spring.

It really doesn't sound like a exhaust leak. Like stated above, you should be able to really see the leak. Take it to a friend that knows about bikes?