New guy -- installing V&H pipes with no experience
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Tempe
New guy -- installing V&H pipes with no experience
Just bought my first Harley, a 2017 Fat Boy S and a set of Vance and Hines Big Radius pipes and a FP3 that I plan to take my chances installing tomorrow. After reading a lot of the other posts and suggestions I'm going to give it a shot.
I was hoping someone has a video of a full exhaust being replaced on a late model Fat Boy. I've found several on older models but nothing on my bike and I wasn't sure how different it would be.
Any suggestions on things to watch or read beforehand would be appreciated.
I was also wondering if I'm okay leaving the current gaskets in since I only have 170 miles on the bike so far. It's not the cost, just a hassle to drive and pick them up if not needed.
Thanks!
I was hoping someone has a video of a full exhaust being replaced on a late model Fat Boy. I've found several on older models but nothing on my bike and I wasn't sure how different it would be.
Any suggestions on things to watch or read beforehand would be appreciated.
I was also wondering if I'm okay leaving the current gaskets in since I only have 170 miles on the bike so far. It's not the cost, just a hassle to drive and pick them up if not needed.
Thanks!
Just bought my first Harley, a 2017 Fat Boy S and a set of Vance and Hines Big Radius pipes and a FP3 that I plan to take my chances installing tomorrow. After reading a lot of the other posts and suggestions I'm going to give it a shot.
I was hoping someone has a video of a full exhaust being replaced on a late model Fat Boy. I've found several on older models but nothing on my bike and I wasn't sure how different it would be.
Any suggestions on things to watch or read beforehand would be appreciated.
I was also wondering if I'm okay leaving the current gaskets in since I only have 170 miles on the bike so far. It's not the cost, just a hassle to drive and pick them up if not needed.
Thanks!
I was hoping someone has a video of a full exhaust being replaced on a late model Fat Boy. I've found several on older models but nothing on my bike and I wasn't sure how different it would be.
Any suggestions on things to watch or read beforehand would be appreciated.
I was also wondering if I'm okay leaving the current gaskets in since I only have 170 miles on the bike so far. It's not the cost, just a hassle to drive and pick them up if not needed.
Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1,834
From: In a house
In addition to replacing the gaskets, make sure you use the right gasket. I've never had a V&H exhaust, but depending on the shape of their head pipe make sure you get the right gasket. Stock gaskets are tapered, SE gaskets are flat. If you need the stock type the install is easier if you stick them in the freezer for a few hours and install them immediately when you take them out.
It's also a good idea to check the torque on the exhaust flanges after a couple of heat cycles. Not familiar with the V&H, depending on the shape of the heat shield you may or may not be able to reach the nuts with the heat shields on.
A wobble socket and 6" extension makes it easier to reach the lower front nut. Can't remember if it's easier with the wobble at the socket end or ratchet end.
It's also a good idea to check the torque on the exhaust flanges after a couple of heat cycles. Not familiar with the V&H, depending on the shape of the heat shield you may or may not be able to reach the nuts with the heat shields on.
A wobble socket and 6" extension makes it easier to reach the lower front nut. Can't remember if it's easier with the wobble at the socket end or ratchet end.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 13
From: Richmond, Va
I put a set of V&H big shots on my '14 slim 2 weeks ago n didn't have any issues doing it alone. True, another set of hands woulda been nice when removing stock exhaust but it's not a necessity if u take ur time n think about what ur doing.
Also, my V&H's came with new gaskets. Have u opened the box to see if urs did as well?
Also, my V&H's came with new gaskets. Have u opened the box to see if urs did as well?
I forgot to mention, label or ziptie the o2 sensors when you take them off the old exhaust. They have to go back into the same pipe they came out of. Front sensor to front pipe, rear sensor to rear pipe. I made this mistake once and had to redo it. This is very important if you plan on using the autotune feature on your tuner
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Tempe
Thanks for all the info fellas. We're going to get started in a few hours.
Has anyone removed and installed their pipes without the 02 sensor wrench? I drove all over Arizona looking for one and all I found was a huge 22mm from Autozone that doesn't look like it'll fit. Can I pull and install them with a crow's foot wrench or am I asking for trouble doing that? They look recessed into the pipe a bit so it may be hard to get a wrench on there. If not I'm going to have to wait another week or so to do the install.
I purchased another set of gaskets and it looks like there's some in the VH box too.
Thanks fellas,
Has anyone removed and installed their pipes without the 02 sensor wrench? I drove all over Arizona looking for one and all I found was a huge 22mm from Autozone that doesn't look like it'll fit. Can I pull and install them with a crow's foot wrench or am I asking for trouble doing that? They look recessed into the pipe a bit so it may be hard to get a wrench on there. If not I'm going to have to wait another week or so to do the install.
I purchased another set of gaskets and it looks like there's some in the VH box too.
Thanks fellas,
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Thanks for all the info fellas. We're going to get started in a few hours.
Has anyone removed and installed their pipes without the 02 sensor wrench? I drove all over Arizona looking for one and all I found was a huge 22mm from Autozone that doesn't look like it'll fit. Can I pull and install them with a crow's foot wrench or am I asking for trouble doing that? They look recessed into the pipe a bit so it may be hard to get a wrench on there. If not I'm going to have to wait another week or so to do the install.
I purchased another set of gaskets and it looks like there's some in the VH box too.
Thanks fellas,
Has anyone removed and installed their pipes without the 02 sensor wrench? I drove all over Arizona looking for one and all I found was a huge 22mm from Autozone that doesn't look like it'll fit. Can I pull and install them with a crow's foot wrench or am I asking for trouble doing that? They look recessed into the pipe a bit so it may be hard to get a wrench on there. If not I'm going to have to wait another week or so to do the install.
I purchased another set of gaskets and it looks like there's some in the VH box too.
Thanks fellas,
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 13
From: Richmond, Va
I didn't use an O2 sensor wrench. I just used a 14mm open end wrench. But I did soak em pretty good with PB Blaster first. That stuff is the jam when it comes to stubborn bolts. Just remove stock exhaust with O2's attached. Soak em with some kind of lube. Sit back n drink a beer while it gets in the threads, then take ur time n get a good "bite" on the nut so u don't round it off.
