Hey all,[/align]I hope this all makes a little sense, it's late and I should be in bed.[/align][/align]2006 1200C 4100 miles [/align][/align]I pulled my stock mufllers off last night so I can just throw on my new V&H slipons when they come in on Wed. While I was working on getting the mufflers off, I had to loosen the flange nuts for the exhaust. I found a nut that was hand loose on the front pipe. Previous to this, I had the same thing happen on the rear pipe last year. But that time, I found out after the nut was already gone. [/align]Now, what kind of exhaust temps em I looking at for those studs? I guess the reason I am asking is I am wondering if I should maybe throw some red loctight on those studs. They say it can handle up to 400F but I don't think they would hold.I am afraid of loosing another nut. I would throw a lock washer on it, but there doesn't seem to be enough bolt to get the washer and nut on at the same time. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.[/align] [/align][/align]Oh, and I thought you all would get a kick out of this, when I went in and got some blue loctight for the backrest bolts, he asked how much I needed. I told em it was for a harley, and he gave me a huge bottle and told me that "its either this, or a whole case" He laughed cause he later told me he owned a harley too. But I thought you all would get a kick out of that.[/align]

 

Those bolts should be on your regular check list. just like axle's ,motor mounts, steering stem and anything else that could fall off.

 

I would be leary of using RED Locktite because it is a bear to loosen anything with it on. When I need, or feel the need to use Locktite, I use Blue because you can get nuts, etc. off when it has been used. I don't know the temps you are seeking and I don't know off-hand the temp that Blue Locktite will tolerate, but I wouldn't use RED.

 

Check them after about 100mi after reinstall then you should be fine.
You sure don't want to lose you nuts!!!

 

+1

That's what I always do, and I've never had a problem with loose nuts....well, not on the bike anyway.

 

What I did, since the factory studs suck. I removed the factory studs, which are smaller on one end than the other, and replaced them with standard automtive studs from the auto parts. I dont remeber the size but I got them longer so I could put lock washers on them. I also used self locking nuts too. When you look at the self locking nuts it looks like it was pinched in a vise.You can tell cause you cant thread it all the way by hand, you have to use a wrench. I guess youcould use the nylon lock nuts butI wouldnt if you dont have to.If you do decide to change the studs you will have to modify the holes in the flange just a little by opening the holes up so they will fit on the larger corse thread studs.

 

Thanks for the ideas guys. I know it should be an item to check, but I don't want to have to check every 50 miles or so. heh [/align]Loctite says they will only go to 250-300F for temps, and I think with it being the exhaust, I don't think that will work.[/align]I tried finding a locking nut outside of harley, but it seems to be a hard find since it's a weird size. (thread pitch anyways) It's like a 32 pitch or something. [/align]But maybe I will just have to keep a closer eye on em and make sure they don't loosen. Not sure if I want to start taking studs out or anything like that yet.[/align]

 

lost one too, I think it is 24 tpi, but they are common, except you cant find the flanged, ones, I just used a nut and washer, grade 8. I think the temps are way plus 400 as the header paints are reccomended at like 900 and 1100 degrees. I am going to tighten them every couple of months until they are not moving. good luck

 

I had that happen to me once... of course is was proabably my fault....

New gaskets and all... proabably didn't compress all the way...

Anyway... its only happened to me once, but anytime you mess with exhaust you should recheck now and then until you're sure you've got a solid seat on the header pipe...

Make sure you tighten them down eveningly so the flange seats flush all the way around...

Charlie D.