I have to replace the mufflers on my 2010 Street Glide. I'm currently running an existing Cobra Power port head pipe which I'm keeping and will be installing new 3.5" Rineharts when they come in. In preparation I pulled the old mufflers which were stuck on there more than just good. I sprayed, pounded, wiggled and rocked even letting the PB Blaster sit on the joint overnight. In the end the only thing that got them off was some serious up and down and side by side wiggling and pulling. They crept less than 1/16 inch at a time otherwise I wouldn't even have known they were moving.

I guess my question is two fold?

1.) How much serious up down and side to side rocking is too much and would warrant changing the header gaskets? The pipes are attached in two solid locations but were still flexing something terrible while I wiggled and pulled those mufflers off?

2.) Anyone ever use anti seize on replacement mufflers? Some are saying to use Permatex Ultra copper for re-installation. With new properly torqued clamps I'm thinking I don't need sealer between the muffler and head pipe to make it more difficult to get off next time???? Thoughts?

 

1. I'd start it up and see if they leak. If you're concerned now, I'd replace them, but basically, who knows?


2. I use anti-seize in the joints. The copper anti-seize is said to be high temperature, but I've used the silver stuff only because I don't have any copper. If you're gonna get some, I'd get the copper, were I you.

 

Just replace the gaskets. Cheap insurance from having to do it again if they leak.

 

+1, I would pull everything off, inspect, replace gaskets, and follow the service manual. If you say you used that much force removing the mufflers, then this is what I would do.

 

Thanks guys...I've decided to chance it before I rip the head pipe off and change gaskets...I'll check the torque on the flange bolts and check for leaks after shes done. I was looking at the brackets and they hold the pipe going to the heads pretty damn tight. I am going to use a thin coat of anti seize on the muffler inlet.

 

Permatex Ultra- Copper is what you should use on the muffler joints. Put it on the inside of the mufflers throat and slide them on to the header pipe with a very slight twisting motion.

 

Thanks I will heed your advice and use Permatex Copper...Thanks again!

 

Be sure to follow the torquing sequence for the headpipe, very important.

+1 on the Permatex Ultra Copper from OETKB

 

here is anti-seize that the pro's use. Ultra copper is not enough for motorcycles.
Vibra-TITE 9072 Nickel Anti-Seize Lubricant Compound, 8 oz, or loctite nickel based antiseize.

 

Seems all is well. I put my new Rinehart 3.5 's on and used the Permatex nickle anti seize with a new clamp...Then started her and did the incense smoke test at head pipe and crossover. All good....And boy do those Rineharts 3.5's sound good...IMHO just what a Harley should sound like....