Exhaust leak test??
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 50
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From: NC
Exhaust leak test??
I know I'm going to get slammed on here for this one and that's OK skins thick.
1. Yes I searched for a thread before starting this one.
2. Service manual ordered and on the way
How do I test for an exhaust leak? I installed a new complete exhaust, air cleaner, FP3 tuner on my 15' SGS and when I started up the front head was leaking due to the slip ring slipping between the clamp. I removed and reset / tightened.
The bike pops pretty good on decel which I don't mind although I was told it could be an exhaust leak causing it. Is there a way to test for that. I'm pretty new but trying to do small things myself and save some money from what the dealership wanted to install.
Thanks in advance
1. Yes I searched for a thread before starting this one.
2. Service manual ordered and on the way
How do I test for an exhaust leak? I installed a new complete exhaust, air cleaner, FP3 tuner on my 15' SGS and when I started up the front head was leaking due to the slip ring slipping between the clamp. I removed and reset / tightened.
The bike pops pretty good on decel which I don't mind although I was told it could be an exhaust leak causing it. Is there a way to test for that. I'm pretty new but trying to do small things myself and save some money from what the dealership wanted to install.
Thanks in advance
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 23
From: Michigan
All the above, also seeing you don't have your manual yet, did you tighten the bolts in the right order.
I think it was something like the rear bottom gets tighten a little first then the top tighten all the way to spec then back to the bottom for finale tourqe specs ( sorry at work no manual in front of me for exact specks ) then the front head the top bolt tighten a little and bottom completely tighten to spec then back to the top for final spec.
I think it was something like the rear bottom gets tighten a little first then the top tighten all the way to spec then back to the bottom for finale tourqe specs ( sorry at work no manual in front of me for exact specks ) then the front head the top bolt tighten a little and bottom completely tighten to spec then back to the top for final spec.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
if you have someone hold a balled up rag over the end of the exhaust (engine running) you may be able to hear the hiss, also the leak will be more apparent when you "smoke" the exhaust with the rag on the end of the pipe.....
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Washington
Mine is the same way 15 SGS, V&H Dresser Duals with 450 Slip ons, air cleaner and FP3. Pops like crazy on decel. I originally used the Screamin' Eagle gaskets the dealer recommended, torqued everything to spec and still sounded the same. Called a buddy of mine who is a Harley mechanic and he said to use the stock gaskets they seal better. replaced gaskets and it got a little better. Finally after removing and remounting everything 4 times took it to dealer to listen to it. They said that the true duals tend to pop more and that the oversize mufflers amplify the popping. I've run auto tune and flashed a couple times and it seems to run smoother but decel pop won't go away. Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 36
From: Lafayette La
I see you guys mention basically a stage1 with FP3s and popping on decel. Have you ran an autotune,? the new exhaust and AC without a good tune will cause popping. The recommended maps get you close and a good map to start an autotune map that be more accurate. Not saying you don't have an exhaust leak also.