It's me again, still trying to install my V&H exhaust.
Got the proper gaskets in there and all, but I still have one annoying problem that I can't figure out.

There's a gap between one of the flanges and the cylinder head. The other flange fit just fine with no gap at all, and you could hear a satisfying crunch coming from the gasket as you tightened the flange all the way.
For some reason the other one just won't go all the way no matter what I do. I've disassembled the exhaust a million times and checked that the circlip will go in the groove but I just don't get it.

However, both gaskets show a mark from the pipes so I guess it could still seal..?

 

you're fighting a losing battle. the flanges won't go all the way to the head. they're designed to hold the exhaust tight, if they go all the way, then you would never know if it was tight or not. go look at other bikes, you'll see what i mean.

 

Your flanges should be tightened equally so that both are ( approximately ) the same distance from the head area ... this will help ensure a proper seal and keep the pipe located properly

 

Like Uncle Larry said loosen up the side that is tight to the head and tighten both sides equally.

 

"satisfying crunch" I love that!! I don't like to hear any kind of "crunches" when I tighten bolts[or nuts] Means I f'd up.

 

with most V&H pipes they recommend the SE exhaust gaskets. Might help with the install

 

Looks good to me.

 

Really? I had no idea. Here's how my "problem flange" looks:
http://i1.aijaa.com/b/00302/13637722.jpg

And here's how the bike looks with the exhaust:
http://i8.aijaa.com/b/00624/13637724.jpg
I will, of course, clean the new pipes before starting the bike.

One other thing to be noted:
Currently I am working in temperatures below freezing point, about -3 celsius. So the metal has shrunken down a little. (Yup, my garage has no heating system and as a Finn my already numb fingers require no warmth)
Should I take this into account as to how tight I screw the flange bolts? I mean, if they're too tight will they pop in the spring as the metal expands?


Yeah, I'm now using these:
http://www.cv-performance.com/harley...se-style-mesh/
The previous ones that I tried just got crushed and blocked exhaust flow.

 

Is there a required torque value for this application?

 

Very nice looking pipes. Of course I am bias.