Wire mesh seal question!
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 67
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From: NC
Wire mesh seal question!
So after a person on this forum scammed me into buying an exhaust that wasn't as promised, I am trying to retro fit my exhaust on. After a million headaches and mods I need some help. My question is...what exactly is this wire mesh exhaust seal called? Are they necessary? Where can I buy new ones? Or can I just bend it back into about the right shape? Please share any wisdom you have!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,585
Likes: 4,019
From: San Diego, CA
They are called what they are, exhaust manifold gaskets (or seals). I have not replaced mine, but you can buy them at Harley. I think they even make a Screaming Eagle version that may or may not be worth the extra expense. I think the hard part is getting them in there properly and installing your headpipes carefully.
It looks like yours may have been intruding into the exhaust port a bit, fairly common from what I've read.
I don't think they are more than a couple bucks each. Why mess with the old crap?
I would say they are "necessary." For sure.
Sorry about the pipes, I thought you said it was a Vespa, not a Sportster. Hey, a girls bike is a girls bike.
John
It looks like yours may have been intruding into the exhaust port a bit, fairly common from what I've read.
I don't think they are more than a couple bucks each. Why mess with the old crap?
I would say they are "necessary." For sure.
Sorry about the pipes, I thought you said it was a Vespa, not a Sportster. Hey, a girls bike is a girls bike.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Dec 22, 2013 at 02:31 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 155
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From: Ohio
Before you RETRO FIT anything, I would post your issues on the forum. Just trying to keep you from creating more problems since you didn't know what the exhaust gasket was..Its great your doing your own work. Been there myself
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 12
From: Susssex County Delaware
Those exhaust gaskets can sometime be a real pain to install into the exhaust port of your engine head. One trick that has worked for me is to put them in a freezer for a few hours. The cold makes them shrink just enough to ease them in the port.
I have used the James copper gaskets with good success.
Genuine James Copper Crush Exhaust Port Gasket - JGI6532483CG
https://www.denniskirk.com/genuine-j...prd/263970.sku
I have used the James copper gaskets with good success.
Genuine James Copper Crush Exhaust Port Gasket - JGI6532483CG
https://www.denniskirk.com/genuine-j...prd/263970.sku
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
They are consumables, available at every Harley dealer and indy. Having dug the poor thing out, give it a decent burial. As with so many things in life, fitting new ones requires a little patience and sleight of hand.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 189
From: east texas
get the proper new seals..
a air leak that close to the valves can cause them to warp/ruin seats.
cold air on hot valves ( as in shutting off the motor) aint good .
they are cheap as compared to a valve job
a air leak that close to the valves can cause them to warp/ruin seats.
cold air on hot valves ( as in shutting off the motor) aint good .
they are cheap as compared to a valve job
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Hawkeye state
Get these or an equivalent like the coppers by James gaskets.. Used on my install. Pushed them in by hand working them around the port. Fit nice and give that extra depth into the exhaust port to accomadate a deeper head pipe. Be sure to torque to 120inch lbs iirc.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...ersion=desktop
I recommend getting a new flange kit and circlips with serrated flange nut. If you don't want flange kit get the serrated nuts. Don't back off and are a permanent fix to the flange nuts working loose. 5/16x24 I think.
http://www.samsonusa.com/A-130.html
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...ersion=desktop
I recommend getting a new flange kit and circlips with serrated flange nut. If you don't want flange kit get the serrated nuts. Don't back off and are a permanent fix to the flange nuts working loose. 5/16x24 I think.
http://www.samsonusa.com/A-130.html
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