I did a search and looked through this forum for the answer but couldn't find anything so forgive me if the answer is already here.

I have a 2003 RK, 88 twin cam with stock exhaust pipes with SE slip ons.
I rebuilt my motor and when reinstalling the exhaust system, after loosely installing all the exhaust, the manual says to tighten up the exhaust system from the heads back to the mufflers. My buddies say that you should tighten it from the mufflers to the heads.

Any input on this? I want to make sure I get good seals at the heads. I am using the thinner SE exhaust gaskets.

 

I always tighten from the head back to the muffs. Personally don't like the SE exh. gaskets. Don't be surprised if you can't get em to seal.

 

loosely fit everything
tighten heads first
tighten crossover pipe clamp to transmission pan next
tighten transmission mount on the side if you have one
tighten mufflers to headpipe
tighten rear muffler hangers

 

"Nutz" has it all laid out for you ... one more thing, check the mufflers after a ride to be sure that they are tight and still positioned properly. It's not uncommon for the mufflers to come loose ( slide back a bit ) If this happens loosen the muffler clamps and give the mufflers a "love tap" using a block of wood ( 2x4 works great ) to be sure that they're fully engaged on the head pipes before re-tightening.

 

good point UL. I always ride it a few miles then come back and let it cool off and retighten everything from front to back. first time this steel gets heat-soaked it tends to loosen up a little.

 

Thanks everyone for your advise.. It's appreciated. I knew going from the mufflers to the heads just didn't make sense to me.
Thanks, exactly how I'll do it..

 

Excellent advice my good buddy Larry LOL. Furthermore OP may need to replace the clamps holding on the slip on exhaust. I have had to go as far as to drill through the exhaust and use a pop rivet to keep the left slip on in place. I got tired of having to use a 2X4....