Sealing crossover pipe on 72 FLH

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Apr 17, 2012 | 06:35 PM

str8shot

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4th Gear

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Georgia

Sealing crossover pipe on 72 FLH

I need an answer to my exhaust leak issue. I recently got a 1972 FLH. All original unmolested other than the seat. I tore it down and replaced 2nd gear, clutch gears, bearings and seals and did a top end rebuild. I noticed a lot of soot where the crossover pipe fits into the header pipe between the seat post and rear jug. There is no clamp there or anyway to put a clamp. The fellow I got the bike from said that it was a pain the butt and that he had put red silicone on it at one time and it helped for a while. I've never had a bike with a crossover like this. One pipe just slides into the other. There is nothing to stop it from leaking. With everyones experience here, what are my options. Thanks, Ken

Apr 17, 2012 | 06:53 PM

Captain Itch

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From: Granville, Tennessee

I use RTV sealant http://www.permatex.com/products/aut...sket_maker.htm on my bikes ..Good luck..

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Apr 17, 2012 | 07:05 PM

msgtarmor

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 272

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From: Salem, Oregon

I also use RTV. But another trick I used once when the gap was too big was to cut a small strip of aluminum flashing and slid it into the gap till it was tight and used RTV to finish sealing.
Granted this is just puttin a bandaid on it but it'll work till ya got something better!
Good luck!
jim

Apr 17, 2012 | 08:06 PM

str8shot

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 8

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From: Georgia

Thanks guys. That idea of putting aluminum flashing around the pipe sounds good. I have a mess of brass shim stock in all thicknesses. That's what I'll use. It's a real poor design.
Ken

Apr 17, 2012 | 08:35 PM

rapp76

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2012

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From: Where our Gov. makes our license plates

I have a pretty much stock 79 Flh and just had mine off to remove the baffles. My crossover what's what you are describing except mine fit pretty damn tight and there was nothing on it. I do not have any leaks there that I can here either. I figure that since its not really a true duel exhaust barely any exhaust goes that way. Takes the path of least resistance right?

Apr 17, 2012 | 09:34 PM

panz4ever

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 7,499

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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali

Quote:

Originally Posted by str8shot

I noticed a lot of soot where the crossover pipe fits into the header pipe between the seat post and rear jug. There is no clamp there or anyway to put a clamp. The fellow I got the bike from said that it was a pain the butt and that he had put red silicone on it at one time and it helped for a while. I've never had a bike with a crossover like this. One pipe just slides into the other. There is nothing to stop it from leaking. With everyones experience here, what are my options. Thanks, Ken

Guess you can use RTV or shim stock but that is the way they designed them. My 84 FLH exhaust is designed in that fashion as is the duals on my 65 pan. Guess your only perfect option to avoid leaks is to go to true duals, but that is far from stock.

Apr 18, 2012 | 09:11 PM

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,126

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From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Best way if you want to seal it is permatex Ultra gray , best stuff I've ever used for exhausts on pans & shovels . Had a stud break and the gray held the pipe on I don't know how long before I noticed it and blends well so it's not seen like the old red stuff .