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D&D Fatcat install ?

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Old Nov 17, 2010 | 11:24 PM
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Default D&D Fatcat install ?

So im installing this on my roadking and actually Im thinking everything is mounting up pretty easy and fit and finish are great. Instructions are limited but everything seems ok. I wasnt sure if trans bracket went on top or bottom but it seemed like it just fell into to place under so I left it. I followed instructions as best as possible, I tighted the muffler to the head pipe first. Then I worked my way from front to back. I tightened the rear bolts to muffler then trans bracket. Then started on the cylinder heads. Its seems like the exhaust flanges are far away. I start to tighten and per the hd manual, but theres a gap. Im using the standard hd exhaust gaskets. The only thing that might be diff is that I ordered the pipes for my year model but my heads are off an 09. Check out the pic of the gap on front. Or should I just keep cranking down on the nuts?
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:09 AM
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I thought I heard you needed to use a different gasket, or a D & D gasket set to install these? Is the header tapered or flat on the end that bolts to the head? Also, when I put my exhaust on, I always make sure they are seated well in the heads before I continue. Tighten a bit, grab and make sure they are in and continue to tighten until I know they are seated correctly. I do know those HD gaskets are thick and require a good crushing before the exhaust is seated in the head.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:31 AM
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D&D usually provides James gaskets in the box. Tehy are slimmer than the stock gaskets and make getting the pipe on far easier.

Drew
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 08:03 AM
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Mine didnt come with any gaskets. Drew do you guys carry the gaskets? I got my pipes drom you.
I guess today ill loosen evrything up and try and pushing the header pipe into the heads some first.
I also have the exhuast gaskets that came with the weisco top end kit leftover. They looked pretty small. But I thought I always heard that the stock hd exhuast gaskets were the best to use. Anyother tips
The pipe really does fit and look nice.
 

Last edited by jackinthebox; Nov 18, 2010 at 08:05 AM.
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 08:38 AM
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Also what did you guys torque the bolt from the muffler to the headpipe to? I justed tighted it tell it stop turning the instructions didnt say. And theres that little allen head next to it the weld to the muffler, I just left that alone.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by jackinthebox
Also what did you guys torque the bolt from the muffler to the headpipe to? I justed tighted it tell it stop turning the instructions didnt say. And theres that little allen head next to it the weld to the muffler, I just left that alone.
15 ft pds (I believe the spec is 12.5) Also had a bit of an issue with this loosening up some. I put some gasket sealent (high temp) in the joint and re-torqued. No issues after that. Be sure and do the tightening when the pipes and clamp are cold. If you do it when they are hot...you will break the bolt in the clamp.
 

Last edited by SlowRain; Nov 18, 2010 at 09:23 AM.
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 08:48 AM
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Originally Posted by jackinthebox
Mine didnt come with any gaskets. Drew do you guys carry the gaskets? I got my pipes drom you.
I guess today ill loosen evrything up and try and pushing the header pipe into the heads some first.
I also have the exhuast gaskets that came with the weisco top end kit leftover. They looked pretty small. But I thought I always heard that the stock hd exhuast gaskets were the best to use. Anyother tips
The pipe really does fit and look nice.
Mine didn't come with any gaskets. I use the OEM gaskets and haven't had any problems at all.

......I tighted the muffler to the head pipe first......
Bad move. Should be loosely connected there, and from front to back tighten the bolts a little at a time.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 08:58 AM
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Since the instructions were limited you didnt know but you are supposed to start your tightening at the heads and tighten the pipes to the head first. Then you'll want to work your way to the back tightening as you go along. From my experience I have never had good luck with the SE gaskets they are too thin and most times I just had to take the exhuast back off to put the stock harley ones back on. Also the heads will not make a difference since harley came out with the evo motor the distance between the exhaust ports on the heads haven't changed.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 09:07 AM
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From my experience I have never had good luck with the SE gaskets they are too thin and most times I just had to take the exhuast back off to put the stock harley ones back on.
I've had similar problems. I stick with OEM gaskets.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 09:16 AM
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I had much better results tightening at the heads first and then working my way back. Also that little wee clamp bolt on the muffler snapped long before I reached the torque spec. I drilled and tapped it out for a larger bolt.(can't remember what size)
 
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