exhaust leak

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 24, 2009 | 09:51 PM

tlb

Thread Starter

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 4,984

Likes: 8

exhaust leak

I have an 06 Fatboy FI, with V&H bigshots. Last week I was finishing up my winter projects. I had to pull the exhaust to install a new Diamondback clutch cable.
When I removed the exhaust flanges I noticed none of the bolts were tight. When I reinstalled the the exhaust I torqued per the manual.
I had always had two issues with the bike since I got it, 2 years ago.
a lack of low end torque
and a stall when it was cold. just when it was below 50 degrees and the bike was not warmed up.

well after riding it for several days now, it is completely different really a 25-40 percent gain at low end and no more cold stalling issues. It is much more responsive at all speeds.
I looked at the critical fasteners list to see if I had over looked the exhaust bolt. They are not on the table. I always check the bracket bolts, but never the flange nuts.
Unless the stainless clutch cable really did make it faster I had a small exhaust leak when it was cold.
I will add the exhaust bolts to my service checklist.

Mar 24, 2009 | 09:55 PM

anubisss

Banned

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 17,265

Likes: 21

From: Los Angeles, CA

You can always put a second nut over the first to hold it tight as well.

Mar 25, 2009 | 01:20 PM

tk353

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 5,257

Likes: 6

From: Leander Texas

yes and i used loctite blue and never has loose nuts issue again. (on the bike)

Mar 25, 2009 | 01:23 PM

tlb

Thread Starter

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 4,984

Likes: 8

I think I will actually do that, put on another nut to lock it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anubisss

You can always put a second nut over the first to hold it tight as well.

Mar 25, 2009 | 05:02 PM

tripwire759

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 1,315

Likes: 51

From: Cincinnati

I added a second nut to mine. Haven't had a problem since then.

Mar 25, 2009 | 06:31 PM

crazybastid83

Banned

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 660

Likes: 4

From: NJ

Putting a second nut on won't do the trick. The nuts aren't backing off, the exhaust gasket is compressing, making it loose. When exhaust are installed, after 100 miles, you are supposed to retorque them.

Mar 25, 2009 | 06:48 PM

snip0721

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 861

Likes: 3

From: trivoli illinois

nuts?

i switched over to stainless steel flange nuts. nut w/serated washer made on. no loose, no rust. flange makes installing the rear, easy with a 1/4" drive shallow socket.

Attached Thumbnails