| Author | Message | ||
     Shadowracerx1 |
I started my bike for the first time since it holed a pistons ages ago. She started fine but I was met with a cacophony of noise. At first I thought something was wrong in the valve train but now I think the headers aren't "snugged" up to the head enough. I've had really bad problems with broken exhaust studs in the past so I'm rally gun shy. They feel like they are already at the 6-8 lbs suggested by the manual. Anyone have any tips on the best way to seat these headers (D&D)so they'll seal? Thanx. | ||
| Road_thing |
Try a new set of gaskets? I've had better luck with the newer "tapered" ones than the old flat ones. rt | ||
| Tattoodnscrewd |
One question - you say it *feels* like the 6-8lbs ... are you using a torque wrench ? (if not - get one - worthwhile investment !) Tapered ones are just the standard exhaust gaskets - the flat ones are the S.E. gaskets - not necessarily the older ones I thought The tapered ones can bulge into the exhaust flow when torqued up - better off using the flat ones IMO.. | ||
| Chasespeed |
D&D header... SE gaskets... and to hell with HD/Buell torque, I played that game, and was rewarded with constant loosening and exhaust leaks... I snug them up... start the bike... listen for leaks... and snug until the leak stops... then 1/4 turn... Has worked thus far, and havent snapped a stud since... Chase | ||
| Djkaplan |
I did what Chase did on my race header with SE gaskets. It's a multi-step process, though - I snug them up every couple of days until they feel like they'll stay tight on their own. Make sure the entire system is loose and start tightening on the rear header first. Then work your way to the end of the system. Let the exhaust assembly find its own 'way' in how it seats itself in the mounts as you work your way to the last mount. My studs are 7 years old and original. I've had two different headers and three different muffler configurations through the years and have had really good luck (so far). I use the notoriously troublesome V&H SS2R with the original front exhaust hanger (not the Y-mount) too. | ||
| Shadowracerx1 |
I have a torque wrench. *click* I'm well past 8 lbs. I'm using the SE gaskets (Frozen for ease of installation). Should the header be flat against the head? The collar of mine is a half inch away. I've started the turn a little and check for leaks method but I'm still wary. I would hate to snap something off... |
