I'm replacing the stock headers with power duals on my 2014 Ultra Limited and the instructions from Vance & Hines leave something to be desired. They provide 2 exhaust header gaskets, but no instruction on how to install them. I don't think the stock pipes had gaskets unless they were compressed and are still in the header ports. Can anyone provide some advice; I don't want any exhaust leaks.

Other than this minor issue, everything else about the install is straightforward. The heat shields look great and these PDs should look fine with my Monster Ovals.

 

Just installed the PD's on my 14 Road King. First thing is yes the original gaskets are still in the exhaust ports, I used a small fine screw driver to remove them.
Second I didn't use the gaskets provided with headpipe, instead bought some original equip gaskets from the dealer (supposedly better quality).

 

I used a metal 90 degree pick to get the gasket out of the head and V&H recommend Screaming Eagle gaskets over stock.

 

2014 SGS I used the stock gaskets when first installed the power duels, I noticed a exhaust smell at high RPMs. I installed the V and H supplied gaskets and STILL have smell !

 

+1 on using the SE gaskets. Go to your local HD dealer and pick them up. The stock gaskets are there. As was mentioned, use a small screwdriver or a pick to get them out.

 

[QUOTE=hammerr;13558543]I'm replacing the stock headers with power duals on my 2014 Ultra Limited and the instructions from Vance & Hines leave something to be desired.

A small 90 degree pic works, the gasket may come out in peices. Search you tube for J&P cycles install Rinehart exhaust systems, exelaint video.

 

If you are getting an exhaust smell on the highway it is probably not coming from the exhaust gasket, an exhaust gasket leak will sound like a ticking or popping from the head.
I smelled exhaust fumes on my bike after installing a set of cheap lowers on my crash bar, I think it was a combo of the lower with the fork deflectors and windshield I am running. I took the lowers off and the exhaust fumes stopped being sucked back to the driver position. I have factory lowers but did not assemble or install them yet, I think the aero dynamics of the factory lowers will probably work ok.

 

The OEM gaskets are a much thicker cone shaped gasket. The SE ones as well as some others are a thin flat gasket supposedly to allow better flow. I've done dozens of headpipe changes and have used both. The OEM cone shape are less likely to leak. I've had headpipes that just would not seal properly with them and often you can't tell you have the exact seal you want unless you are dyno tuning. I've been using the OEM style now exclusively. The design of the end of the headpipe can make a huge difference. You will also find that putting them in the freezer overnight makes them easier to fit since they shrink a bit that way.

 

its fairly easy to do.. take your time and dont scratch anything... i removed mine with needle nose pliers after carefully moving them around with a thin flat screwdriver... the V&H gaskets worked fine for me.... no leaks or issues

 

I also did a re-torqe on them after running and it had cooled down. I actually got some more on the bolts. I did this after three runs before they didn't tighten down anymore.