Exhaust leaking question
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Exhaust leaking question
I bought a used bike and it looks as though aftermarket exhausts were put on it. I can hear some air leaking from the front exhaust. I can also see a small gap that is larger than a gasket. I know I need to have the exhaust reworked to fit correctly but is there anything I can do in the meantime? Do they make a sealent that I can put on it until I get them reworked? I am assuming I am only losing horsepower from the leak and it doesnt sound the best. Is there any damage being done if I rode it how it is now? Thanks for any help.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: Exhaust leaking question
Jon0808 you need to be a bit more spicific. What year bike etc. I would not try to seal the leak you already have with sealent. I would start by removing the entireexhaust system. Go to the dealer and get 2 new gaskets. Align everything properly when re assembling the exhaust and torque the exh manifold bolts per the manual.This is not a difficult job and you will have the satisfaction of knowing its done right....................BG
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,192
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From: Columbus, OH
RE: Exhaust leaking question
There isn't a gasket under the exhaust flange, it is inside the cylinder and seals against the pipe itself. SE gaskets are the way to go, it's a really easy fix. Just remove the flange nuts, loosen all the mounting bolts all the way back to and including the mufflers, pull the exhaust out of the cylinders, pick the old gasket out of the groove (hard to see them, but they are in there), put new gaskets in, put head pipe back in, install flange nuts alternating back a forth a few turns at a time to get even pressure on flange, torque nuts to spec, tighten everything else up and your done.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: USA
RE: Exhaust leaking question
ORIGINAL: fxstcguy98
There isn't a gasket under the exhaust flange, it is inside the cylinder and seals against the pipe itself. SE gaskets are the way to go, it's a really easy fix. Just remove the flange nuts, loosen all the mounting bolts all the way back to and including the mufflers, pull the exhaust out of the cylinders, pick the old gasket out of the groove (hard to see them, but they are in there), put new gaskets in, put head pipe back in, install flange nuts alternating back a forth a few turns at a time to get even pressure on flange, torque nuts to spec, tighten everything else up and your done.
There isn't a gasket under the exhaust flange, it is inside the cylinder and seals against the pipe itself. SE gaskets are the way to go, it's a really easy fix. Just remove the flange nuts, loosen all the mounting bolts all the way back to and including the mufflers, pull the exhaust out of the cylinders, pick the old gasket out of the groove (hard to see them, but they are in there), put new gaskets in, put head pipe back in, install flange nuts alternating back a forth a few turns at a time to get even pressure on flange, torque nuts to spec, tighten everything else up and your done.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 978
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RE: Exhaust leaking question
Yeah it can be harmful! A leak like that is an invitation for cold air to rush in through that head pipe and warp valves, Bro! Fix it...it'll take ya an hour at most and cost less than 20 bucks (versus new valves and a valve job!)
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
RE: Exhaust leaking question
There isn't a gasket under the exhaust flange, it is inside the cylinder and seals against the pipe itself. SE gaskets are the way to go, it's a really easy fix. Just remove the flange nuts, loosen all the mounting bolts all the way back to and including the mufflers, pull the exhaust out of the cylinders, pick the old gasket out of the groove (hard to see them, but they are in there), put new gaskets in, put head pipe back in, install flange nuts alternating back a forth a few turns at a time to get even pressure on flange, torque nuts to spec, tighten everything else up and your done.
CN
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,192
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From: Columbus, OH
RE: Exhaust leaking question
ORIGINAL: Comfortably Numb
And remember to put some anti-seize on the threads when you do it.
CN
There isn't a gasket under the exhaust flange, it is inside the cylinder and seals against the pipe itself. SE gaskets are the way to go, it's a really easy fix. Just remove the flange nuts, loosen all the mounting bolts all the way back to and including the mufflers, pull the exhaust out of the cylinders, pick the old gasket out of the groove (hard to see them, but they are in there), put new gaskets in, put head pipe back in, install flange nuts alternating back a forth a few turns at a time to get even pressure on flange, torque nuts to spec, tighten everything else up and your done.
CN
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