Changing exhaust gaskets
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 152
From: Georgia
Changing exhaust gaskets
I just removed the cat on a 2011 FLHTK and the exhaust gaskets stayed on the motor and look good. Is it necessary to replace the gaskets or just reuse them since and I am re-using the same pipes?
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: East Tennessee
I ain't a mechanic by no means but I have read when opening an exhaust to replace all gaskets and hardware. Bolts, nuts, and clamps all streach and fatigued. Gaskets loose their flexibility to seal properlly. I understand an exhaust leak leads to backfire and other problems.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 152
From: Georgia
I ain't a mechanic by no means but I have read when opening an exhaust to replace all gaskets and hardware. Bolts, nuts, and clamps all streach and fatigued. Gaskets loose their flexibility to seal properlly. I understand an exhaust leak leads to backfire and other problems.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 152
From: Georgia
Thanks KC, I'll try to go get them now and get it running tonight then I get to try it out tomorrow. I thought about wrapping the chamber where the cat was with ceramic wrap but I'm hoping I won't need it.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I actually bought the wrap but never used it. I painted the area where it was welded with high temp paint. It makes a lot of difference. It still gets hot but not near as bad as it was.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 902
Likes: 152
From: Georgia
Any trick to getting the old gaskets out of the heads.? I don't want to scratch them up any. These are like they are glued in.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,242
Likes: 3,262
From: west Michigan
Just pick them out with a very small screwdriver or pick, which can be found at Autozone. Follow the instructions in the Harley Davidson Shop Manual when installing the exhaust system.