Head Pipe Flange/Collar ??
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From: Garland, Texas
Head Pipe Flange/Collar ??
OK, so I've done an exhaustive search for an answer to my question and could not find one. Last week I developed a nasty exhaust leak on my front cylinder near the exhaust mount studs. (btw, the bike is an '05 FXDC with SE's "Double Barrel" long tube system).
I first checked to see if the nuts had loosened (they hadn't). I then removed the exhaust assembly to check the gasket (it looked fine). I then noticed that the collar at the top of the head pipe had come loose. I pulled it off with my fingers. So evidently the piped had pulled away from this collar some, enough to allow exhaust to leak past.
My first question is: Is this collar supposed to be welded on (i.e. spot welds)? I lightly tapped it back on to the head pipe it is good and snug, and have new gaskets ready to mount the system back on. Is this a common problem? If it should be welded, in what manner? Plug welds on the sides of the collar? Or are these pipes rendered useless? I hate to have to get a new system, because I really like these pipes (looks and sound).
Thanks in advance for any help or input.
I first checked to see if the nuts had loosened (they hadn't). I then removed the exhaust assembly to check the gasket (it looked fine). I then noticed that the collar at the top of the head pipe had come loose. I pulled it off with my fingers. So evidently the piped had pulled away from this collar some, enough to allow exhaust to leak past.
My first question is: Is this collar supposed to be welded on (i.e. spot welds)? I lightly tapped it back on to the head pipe it is good and snug, and have new gaskets ready to mount the system back on. Is this a common problem? If it should be welded, in what manner? Plug welds on the sides of the collar? Or are these pipes rendered useless? I hate to have to get a new system, because I really like these pipes (looks and sound).
Thanks in advance for any help or input.
Last edited by race-n-jason; Apr 22, 2013 at 10:20 AM. Reason: correct spelling
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From: Garland, Texas
Yes, the snap ring was in place. In fact the collar, snap ring & flange were bolted tight to the cylinder head. The pipe itself had pulled away from the collar. Does that make sense?
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Update:
Well, managed to find someone who could TIG weld. I decided to drill holes in the side of the collar and have them plug welded (4 plugs per collar). I dressed the welds a little to make it easier to install the flange and spring clip. Got the pipes mounted up Saturday morning, and seems to be working fine. No leaks that I can detect.
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From: Woodstock GA
Thats good to know. Thanks for the post. I do have one comment, I replaced the stock exhaust on my 12 Ultra Classic with Vance and Hines true duels. I noticed that the stock head pipe flange with tapered and the V&H where more squared off like the ones in the pic's above. The new gaskets I installed didn't seem to fit very well, but I have no leaks.
Question: Are all aftermarket head pipes shaped like that?
Question: Are all aftermarket head pipes shaped like that?
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