header bolts vibrating loose?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 597
Likes: 20
From: ohio
header bolts vibrating loose?
Installed my fuelmoto 2_1_2 headers a few weeks ago and runs great so far. Only small issue is I decided to check the torque of the header bolts [100 inch lbs] after 50-100 miles and they have been loose each time. Have checked them a few times and each time needed about half a turn to torque 100 in lbs. Is this normal for the bolts to work loose, and will I need to check them often?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
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From: NJ
Look at it in terms of heat cycles.
After about 5 complete heat cycles from operating temp to cold to operating temp to cold.....and so on re torque. That should do it.
The crush washers in the head and everything should be Settled in after 5 heat cycles.
You used new nuts when you did this right?
After about 5 complete heat cycles from operating temp to cold to operating temp to cold.....and so on re torque. That should do it.
The crush washers in the head and everything should be Settled in after 5 heat cycles.
You used new nuts when you did this right?
Last edited by Gliden; Oct 27, 2014 at 07:41 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Interesting, I have the same thing going on and plan to call FM tomorrow and ask them about it. Meantime, here is my theory. OEM pipe is a taper and so is the gasket, the headpipe will only tighten so far due to its taper. The FM head pipe flange is straight, so my theory is it will compress the gasket on initial torque but after awhile the torque is lost but still seals on the gasket, seems to me each time we re-tighten it we are only compressing the taper gasket some more and the process repeats. I don't see the nuts backing off. I also loosen the trans mount when tightening the head pipe so its not stressed and lastly tighten the trans mount back up. will follow up on this one.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
I just mention new nuts cause my headers installation called for new nuts and new crush washers.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: ohio
Was browsing a road glide forum earlier and couple were saying their header bolts would come loose often, and to tighten them occasionally. When I removed my stock header the nuts were barely snug removing them
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,739
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From: Fayetteville, NC
Mine did after my V&H install.....I make it a point to check them ever so often...but after initial install...I checked nearly monthly
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: SW Washington State
I spoke with Fuel Moto today and was told it is due to the design of the pipe, not having a taper fit into the head like the oem that will wedge the gasket. the Jackpot header will take more tightening sequences than the taper style before it will sink into the gasket enough and hold its torque.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 597
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From: ohio
Thanks for the update from fuel moto. So I wonder how long it takes for the pipe to finally seat in and hold it's torque. Have about 1k miles on my jackpot header and have tightened the nuts 3 or 4 times and they were loose each time. Might install a 2nd nut on the studs, that should hold it from backing off
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,133
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From: CT/FL
Use these and they'll stay tight:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-washers/=uckxc7
Also called NORD-LOCKŽ washers, these reusable washers hold tight under extreme vibration. They include a pair of washers (one top and one bottom) with wedges that lock against each other to resist loosening.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-washers/=uckxc7
Also called NORD-LOCKŽ washers, these reusable washers hold tight under extreme vibration. They include a pair of washers (one top and one bottom) with wedges that lock against each other to resist loosening.