Exhaust tools/gasket question
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 837
Likes: 8
From: Wyoming
Exhaust tools/gasket question
My bike has a nice aftermarket exhaust with header. This winter I'm going to make some cosmetic changes to the bike including blacking out and possibly wrapping the currently chrome exhaust. I have watched videos showing the process and I've noticed that the people working on exhausts use sockets on the end of long extensions that are bent in a C shape, when removing the bolts. Looks like these let you get in the tight spaces where your hands and wrench might not fit.
What are these extensions called and are they commonly available at hardware stores or only at specialty shops.
Also, is it necessary to replace the gasket between the headers and the engine whenever removing the headers and are there advantages to one replacement gasket over another?
What are these extensions called and are they commonly available at hardware stores or only at specialty shops.
Also, is it necessary to replace the gasket between the headers and the engine whenever removing the headers and are there advantages to one replacement gasket over another?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
I use a box end on the upper front nut and a straight extension on all the others. I have removed my exhaust several times without having to replace the gaskets yet. Just need to be careful doing it. My understanding from posts in here is that stock gaskets are easier to use than SE ones.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Alberta, CANADA
Are you referring to a "crows foot" ?
Usually they can be managed with a 1/4" drive socket, extension, and swivel combo... but those crows feet can come in handy! Something I need to add to my tool box.
As for the gaskets, it's recommended to change them every time.... but I've seen them reused and not leak. There like $10 from the moco, cheap insurance to not have to pull your pipes again if they do leak. As for which type depends on the exhaust, if they have a tapered flange the stock gaskets will seal better. If they have a blunt flat flange the Screamin' Eagles will work, although i've had bad luck with them and usually stick with the stockers.
One another tip, follow the torque specs for the exhaust studs. They don't like to be over tightened, you'll either create a leak or worse break a stud.
Usually they can be managed with a 1/4" drive socket, extension, and swivel combo... but those crows feet can come in handy! Something I need to add to my tool box.
As for the gaskets, it's recommended to change them every time.... but I've seen them reused and not leak. There like $10 from the moco, cheap insurance to not have to pull your pipes again if they do leak. As for which type depends on the exhaust, if they have a tapered flange the stock gaskets will seal better. If they have a blunt flat flange the Screamin' Eagles will work, although i've had bad luck with them and usually stick with the stockers.
One another tip, follow the torque specs for the exhaust studs. They don't like to be over tightened, you'll either create a leak or worse break a stud.
Last edited by hutch08; Sep 24, 2013 at 11:08 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
I use a box end on the upper front nut and a straight extension on all the others. I have removed my exhaust several times without having to replace the gaskets yet. Just need to be careful doing it. My understanding from posts in here is that stock gaskets are easier to use than SE ones.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 837
Likes: 8
From: Wyoming
The exhaust system is a Kerker 2:1 SuperMegs, which is sold by Supertrapp. The installation instructions on Supertrapp's website don't specify which gasket to use.
Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations.
Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
Call Supertrapp, that is how I found out(Bassani though).
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,115
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From: Bay Area, NorCal
http://www.supertrapp.com/images/pdfs/003-7449.pdf
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
Just a -1 on the SE gaskets. Never had a good seal on them with any pipes. The stock ones work better.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 837
Likes: 8
From: Wyoming
This might be helpful to you: under "PRE-INSTALL NOTES" the standard conical gasket is recommended, not the SE flat style.
http://www.supertrapp.com/images/pdfs/003-7449.pdf
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http://www.supertrapp.com/images/pdfs/003-7449.pdf
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Thanks. I swear I looked at that page on the Supertrapp website but completely missed what you wrote.
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