I'm going to replace the stock pipes with V&H BSS tonight. I'll also be upgrading to a high flow air cleaner and installing a PCV.

While reviewing the service manual I noticed it states I need an O2 sensor socket to remove the sensors from the exhaust pipes. Is this really necessary? Will an open end wrench not work?

Also, it states theres a seal that needs to be replaced. Since I'm bypassing the sensors anyway, can I reuse the original seal our do you guys replace that also just to be safe and avoid air leaks?

I'm assuming I'll need an extra pair of hands tonight to set things in place and I'm figuring a 1/4" socket with an extension and a wobble on the end to get to those nasty rear bolts?

Are there any other tips you guys have or things I need to pay special attention to?

Thanks

 

Open end will work fine just be patient and careful not to chip anything with it. I reused the seals. I am going to order the o2 plugs it looks crappy with the extrawire from the unsued o2 sensors I think the plug kit is like $16 bucks and can be changed without taking the pipes off.

 

JED, Did you take the O2 sensors out before you pulled the pipes off or after they were disconnected? Which is easier?

 

Take the sensors out and plug the ports. If you search you can just go the hardware store and buy the right size as opposed to the "o2 sensor port plugs." I can't remember what the size is right now. My bike is pre o2 sensors so I am really of no help on removing them. Good luck with the install...and we want pics when it is done.

 

I took them out before Pulled the pipes but I really don't think it matters much.

 

Unplug the sensors first and then remove the pipes and then the sensors. I think they are 22mm (going off memory) and as others stated, open ended wrench will be fine.

Be sure to have new exhaust gaskets. The old ones will be hard to spot to the untrained eye. They are black and mashed in pretty good. Use a sharp flat-blade screw driver to work them around the edge and pop them out.

How old is your bike/stock exhaust? Some liquid wrench the night before you do the work may be a good idea, although I got away with out using it and had no problems.

 

Are they pipe plugs you would use?

 

[quote=HarleyGoodies;5368065]Take the sensors out and plug the ports. If you search you can just go the hardware store and buy the right size as opposed to the "o2 sensor port plugs."


Sorry about that last post! Forgot the quote so would you use pipe plugs or what?

 

They are just bolts. Let me find it for you. Hold on...

 

By the way when you install clamps for heat shields make sure the screws face a direction you can tighten them after they are on the bike ie face bottom ones down and top ones up.