I hope these questions aren't too stupid because I am a beginner at this! I am going to install my new Hooker Exhaust tomorrow on my 08 Deluxe. Looking over my service manual leaves me with the following questions:


1. Do the factory exhaust gasket retaining rings and exhaust manifold clamps get reinstalled?
2. I know from reading all the posts that everyone says to install new exhaust gaskets. Just double checking because the hooker instructions recommend using the old ones because it says installation of new gaskets is "tricky for beginners" which I am.
3. Lastly, I'm confused between loctite/permatex blue and anti seize. Are they the same thing? I was going to use anti seize on the exhaust flange bolts and the oxygen sensors and the fasteners for my Big Sucker air cleaner install also. Is this correct?

I appreciate any help. Thanks again. I would be even more lost than I am without this cite!!

 

1 - yes
2 - use new gaskets
3 - anti seize on 02's and exhaust studs, loctite on big sucker hardware
anti seize keeps threads from getting stuck, loctite keeps threads stuck.
TAKE YOUR TIME
COVER SURROUNDING AREAS YOUR WORKING BY
DO NOT REACH OVER YOUR BIKE WITH TOOLS

 

1. Yes, you should replace the gaskets.

2. Clamps = Flanges ? Flanges do not need to be replaced as long as they're in good
shape.

3. Loctite "locks" the nut and anti-seize keeps it from locking... that's my understanding
anyway. I had these same questions and here's what the tech at HD told me. Don't use
either. He said loctite would make it such that if you removed the bolt in the future
you'd end up taking the whole thing back out... and don't use anti-seize because
riding/vibration would, or could, cause the bold to losen. NOW, I would recommend
you getting a 2nd or even a 3rd opinion. And if I'm wrong someone jump in, I promise
you're not going to hurt my feelings. I am just relating this because I just had this done
recently, so this experience is firsthand.

I used loctite only on the Big Sucker hardware. Used it on the brackets for the exhaust
but not the bolts in the manifold... didn't use anything on the them.

Oh, and after you'r done... remember to clean your pipes.

good luck.

 

couldn't have said it better myself

 

Old gaskets are very hard to see or feel. They sometimes appear to be part of the exhaust metal. I always use a dental pick to pluck it out of the opening.

 

don't break off the exhaust studs - cover your tin's - blue tape new heat shields + surrounding chrome - clean w/ rubbing alcohol after install - paste wax before warm up

 

I just replaced my exhaust last weekend in my '07.... getting the old exhaust off is a pain in the ***...so just take your time... you'll need to remove the R. floor board and as I found out...the brake pedal... and yes replace the exhaust port gaskets...I pullled the original ones out with an automotive pick (others suggested this too)... they are like "metal mesh" gaskets in case you haven't seen one before... for mine, I put on the V&H BSS....so I had to remove the stock exhaust bracket and relocate the R. passenger peg to the frame...my instructions didn't mention that, so in case yours is similar, keep that in mind... good luck!

 

Just anti seize on the 02 sensors nothing on everything else.

 

I installed my hookers without any problems it took me about 3 hours. Take your time. Replace your exhaust gaskets and yes, they are tricky to install. The new gaskets are slightly larger than the recessed part of your heads but with slight manipulation you will get them in. I did not remove my RH floorboard, all I did was loosen the 3 torx head bolts that hold the floorboards on. Once I had everything installed I thought my front pipe was going to rest on my floorboard but once I seated the exhaust flanges the pipes lifted up just enough to clear my floorboard. If you follow your instructions you will be fine. The hardest part of the job was those exhaust gaskets. The instructions doesn't mention the removal of the passenger pegs. You will need a long #50 torx bit to unbolt the footpeg from the OEM exhaust/footpeg bracket. Once the footpeg is removed install it into your frame, you will have to do the same thing to the LH passenger pegs. Good luck.

 

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate the help. Maybe someday I can help someone on this site. I know I'm gonna learn at least one thing the hard way when this is all said and done!