Replacing Clutch Cable. Exhaust Help

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Sep 12, 2016 | 12:51 PM

larsfum

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 2,578

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From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf

Replacing Clutch Cable. Exhaust Help

I will be replacing my clutch cable in the near future. I guess that there is no way to do it on a 1998 RG except with dropping the exhaust. I know that the exhaust was off when the cam was replaced not too long ago, so I would guess that it should not be too hard to remove this time. I asked how the studs and gaskets were then, and he said they were fine. I know he reused the gaskets on that job. I have a couple of questions.

I plan on replacing the exhaust gaskets, and going with the stock HD ones. Should I also replace the gasket retaining rings?

Any tips or tricks that you may have to make the process smoother?

Sep 12, 2016 | 12:56 PM

IBDAGRIZ

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Joined: Sep 2013

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From: Tejas

Depending on what you have for pipes on it, you may be able to loosen them at the head a little and loosen/remove the tranny area clamp and just slide it outward a bit.

Was able to do that on a 2:1 on my dresser and on a true duals setup on my RK.

Griz

Sep 12, 2016 | 12:59 PM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

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From: Haslet Texas

FWIW I have reused my exhaust gaskets several times with no issues.

I have found a 1/4" drive extension and socket make it just a tad easier to reach most of the exhaust nuts on my bike.

Sep 12, 2016 | 01:29 PM

0maha

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2012

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From: Omaha

Quote:

Originally Posted by larsfum

FWIW, having been in the right side of my trans a few times now, I've learned that if I remove the heat shields, I can just barely get the bolts out of the trans without loosening the exhaust.

Sep 13, 2016 | 03:21 PM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

It's a while since I installed my Diamondback clutch cable, but I just threw caution to the wind and removed the entire exhaust, so I could see what I was doing! The only gaskets I recall replacing were the stock Harley exhaust rings. I read somewhere that the CVO rings are in some way better but have no idea why.

Sep 13, 2016 | 03:29 PM

IBDAGRIZ

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2013

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From: Tejas

Quote:

Originally Posted by grbrown

I read somewhere that the CVO rings are in some way better but have no idea why.

I was always told to use the tapered style as they seal better than the squared off type.

Griz

Sep 13, 2016 | 04:35 PM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,065

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From: Haslet Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBDAGRIZ

I was always told to use the tapered style as they seal better than the squared off type.

Griz

That all depends on the ends of the pipes you are using.
If the ends are rounded you use the tapered exhaust gaskets.
If they are squared off then you use the flat gaskets.