Techniques for installing SE exhaust gaskets
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ynez, Ca
Interesting that you ask as I thought I noticed a bit of a rattle on start up but thought it was the heat shields. Went away when everything got hot so I just ignored it as well as the leaking. Just finished installing the SE gaskets and HT sealant only an hour ago so after letting everything set up for 24hrs will reply back on results. Hopefully no leaking and will see about any rattling.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ynez, Ca
Got the SE gaskets with cu sealant and most if not all of the leaking is gone. Also sounds alot better and alot of the popping is gone on decel. After a few heat cycles will retorque. Here's a couple of latest pics. Sure looks better with the horn relocated!
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ynez, Ca
Yep, that's the stuff! I just ran a bead over the gaskets and let it cure for 24 hrs. I have no idea if it was the correct sealant cause I don't know how hot the heads get but so far it seams to have sealed the leaks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 97
From: Northern VA
Just wanted to report my experiences. I installed V&H Comp series over the winter with SE gaskets. I felt they did not seal correctly and I got a lot of decel popping.
A month or two later I tried using the stock harley gaskets. No leaks, but something felt off, so did some more reading and am now using:
Replacement Exhaust Port Copper Gaskets (JPCycles #4400292). They're $10/pair.
I lightly coated each side of the gaskets with
Permatex RTV Silicone Gasket maker (JPCycles #432-105)
with my finger, removing any excess so it didn't smear when pressed inside or the exhaust inserted after. It allows for the gaskets to seat inside without falling down when inserting the pipes and allows for a little better seal between the engine/exhaust. This was the only approach that allowed me to properly torque all of the flange nuts down to spec evenly. I get very little decel popping now. I believe this to be the best option for installing aftermark exhausts that don't call for the stock tapered gaskets.
EDIT: The sealant requires a 24-48hr cure time. I did not start the bike up until 20 hours after I installed everything.
matt
A month or two later I tried using the stock harley gaskets. No leaks, but something felt off, so did some more reading and am now using:
Replacement Exhaust Port Copper Gaskets (JPCycles #4400292). They're $10/pair.
I lightly coated each side of the gaskets with
Permatex RTV Silicone Gasket maker (JPCycles #432-105)
with my finger, removing any excess so it didn't smear when pressed inside or the exhaust inserted after. It allows for the gaskets to seat inside without falling down when inserting the pipes and allows for a little better seal between the engine/exhaust. This was the only approach that allowed me to properly torque all of the flange nuts down to spec evenly. I get very little decel popping now. I believe this to be the best option for installing aftermark exhausts that don't call for the stock tapered gaskets.
EDIT: The sealant requires a 24-48hr cure time. I did not start the bike up until 20 hours after I installed everything.
matt
Former Sponsor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
thank you,
JR
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 428
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ynez, Ca
Well, I used the SE gaskets which are not conical but square cut all around, then a medium bead of copper hi-temp sealant and so far seem to be sealed. I would have used the conical oem that were in the bike but they set so far out, almost even with the face that unless they crushed down alot I was afraid they would not allow the pipe flange to seat into the exhaust well. Anyway thanks for the input and will see how the SE type do. So far ok!
