Head pipe gasket install
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 391
Likes: 22
From: Wisconsin
Head pipe gasket install
How does the front gasket get installed? I got the rear one installed... finally with some difficulty. Any advice on getting the front one in would be appreciated. I used a bottle of pvc cleaner to "tap" the rear one in, but cannot get the bottle in the front. I have to get another gasket, as I "dinged" up the one I tried to install. Once in, does the head pipe just get pushed in till the nuts are able to thread on? Thanks in advance for the help!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Try freezing the gasket overnight. A close fitting piece of pipe that fits about midway down into the gasket helps keep it straight. Don't worry if it wrinkles a little, the pipe will seal. Getting the flanges arranged and pushed on the studs is about the worst part. Start the nuts by hand, tighten equally til snug then torque to spec. Take for a ride, let cool completely and retorque the nuts.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 391
Likes: 22
From: Wisconsin
Try freezing the gasket overnight. A close fitting piece of pipe that fits about midway down into the gasket helps keep it straight. Don't worry if it wrinkles a little, the pipe will seal. Getting the flanges arranged and pushed on the studs is about the worst part. Start the nuts by hand, tighten equally til snug then torque to spec. Take for a ride, let cool completely and retorque the nuts.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 391
Likes: 22
From: Wisconsin
Update and question. I got the head pipe and rest of the exhaust installed last night. Got all the clamps that were required to be "NEW". Still not sure why they had to be replaced, but sparing no short cuts I replaced them. As I was following the service manual it states to do a final torque of the head nuts to 120 inch pounds.... That seems light. I got done doing this late last night, and did not fire it up to get the bike up to temp. As I was informed that is important to do, get it up to temp, let it cool, and re-torque. But my question is as I was tightening the nuts on the studs, it seemed to click quite quickly.. I just do not want to have an exhaust leak. I am sure it is fine, as the nuts seemed pretty loose when I remove the head pipe. I had to back out one nut as I installed without the torque wrench and was too much.
I will do the wipe down of the pipes, fire it up, and re-torque tomorrow. Just want to make sure this seems right and I am on the right path. I guess just looking for re-assurance to the head nuts. If there is a leak, what will I notice? Want to get it done correctly and final before I put the lower and floor board back on.
Thanks.
I will do the wipe down of the pipes, fire it up, and re-torque tomorrow. Just want to make sure this seems right and I am on the right path. I guess just looking for re-assurance to the head nuts. If there is a leak, what will I notice? Want to get it done correctly and final before I put the lower and floor board back on.
Thanks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
120 inch/lbs isn't hardly anything, but they don't need a whole lot. You will hear a leak. If in doubt, light a candle and hold it near the exhaust and watch the smoke to see. If there is a leak, just snug up the nuts a bit. Removal and gasket replacement won't be necessary unless the leak is huge.
