I'm in the process of getting a manual, but I need to know the torque specs for an exhaust bolt on an 83' Shovel. The bolt has backed out twice and I'm guessing that I'm not tightening it enough, even though it feels like I am. I am a little gun shy after having stripped a bolt years ago on a different bike.

Thanks,

Max

 

someone makes a bolt with a lock tab and circlip, that works great. I'm sure the Drag or CCI catalog has them. the torq. is about 15 lbs.

 

I always tighten mine to the 15 ft. lb torque - BUT - after that I run the bike and do it again after the bolts have been heated and increase the torque to 20ft lbs. also make sure your split ring is new when you reinstall your pipes.

 

It was mentioned before in another thread but I think it should be said again. Make sure you have supported and adjusted the rest of the exhaust as best as possible, including modifying brackets and/or filing holes, to get the header pipe flange to mate up to the head as squarely as possible to ensure the weight of the exhaust is not on the bolt in the head. It's job is to hold the header flange against the head to allow the gasket to seal, not to support the weight of the exhaust. It could be that is the reason your bolt in the head is coming loose.

 

Great advice! I appreciate all of that. I had wondered about the re-tightening after I run it... I did pay attention to the exhaust mounts as I was re-installing and will look even more closely at them now to make sure that the exhaust to cylinder connection isn't taking on addt'l weight.

Thanks so much,

Max

 

This is a common problem. Carry a spare, sometime down the road you will need it or your buddy will.

 

After reading the thread and crampfans post, went looking. J&P catalog carries
ehaust port fasteners for '66-'84 shovels of the type crampfan is referring to. J&P #4420121