just put a pcv on my bike , was hoping my pipes came in this week but when you order from rinehart they actually build them ,then send them to a powder coater (for the crossback system) i thought they would just have them sitting on a shelf ready to go ,pretty sweet pipes i ordered, just asking if there is any tips when removing stock and installing a new system, thanks from pa,

 

I will watch this post because I just got my new bike 2012 FXDC need new pipes only 50 miles on it so far.

 

It's a pretty simple task, I've done many sets of pipes, just take ur time and follow the directions. Couple beers and 2 hrs and u should be listening to them new pipes rumble. Might wanna pick up an O2 wrench, kinda pricey but def easier than using open end or adj wrench.

 

Forgot.... Anti sieze on O2 sensors. Maybe new exhaust port gaskets, some say replace every time but I've seen it don't and personally have used old ones. Leave bolts loose till everything is together than tighten. Ride a bit and then recheck the bolts after 50 miles maybe.

 

1. Replace gaskets at the cylinder heads.

2. Finger tighten everything until you have the whole system just right, then tighten everything down.

3. Use some winded and wipe the pipes down with a clean rag BEFORE you start the bike or your greasy finger prints will be burned into the pipes surface.

4. Ride 50-100 miles, retighten all bolts.

 

you wont need a special 02 wrench. Just disconnect the plugs and remove & install the sensors when the pipes are off. When you pull the pipes and look in the exhaust ports it may look like there are no gaskets, they blend in pretty well. Its not normal practice for me but I have reused the gaskets. A short offset wrench came in really handy for the lower rear exhaust bolt. Read & reread the directions until your familiar and follow the tightening sequence. You will be smiling big in a few hours

 

Pipes are a job where an air ratchet, extensions and a swivel socket attachment can save you ALLOT of time. If you have that it shouldn't take more than 20 min, without I have no idea as I've never given that a go. Good luck.

 

How tight do the head bolts need to be? The ones off my stock pipes were pretty loose. Is there a torque spec?

Thanks

 

Finger tight, then a quarter to half turn tighter from there and your good to go. Important to check them after 50 miles or so as stated.

 

Yes, there are torque values. Remember these are INCH-LBS. If you use ft lbs you will be starting another thread on removing broken studs from the head.
From the service manual;
Front cylinder:
1. install lower nut and finger tighten
2. install upper nut and tighten to 9-18 in. lbs.
3. tighten lower nut to 60-80 in. lbs.
4. tighten upper nut to 60-80 in. lbs.
Rear is the same procedure.
Retighten after a heat cycle or two. It also can't hurt to double nut the studs after you retighten, this will help to keep them tight.