So I took my V&H exhaust off the wife's trike to wrap the head pipes. Then I found out that she had an exhaust leak at the cylinder.

So the tube is dinged a bit. I can clean that up.


Can you get those flange retainer clips? I assume that is what it is. It's pretty deformed and won't sit in the recess in the flange.

And then, on the cylinder on the exhaust port...


So I assume that packing ring comes out... That graphite stuff. That's an exhaust gasket right? I assume I can replace that?

That's what I need help with.... Correcting that crap so I can put it back together right.

 

Oh... And does it have to be Harley, or will an auto parts store have that?

 

Curious, how did you find out there was an exhaust leak when you took the pipe off? That pipe looks deformed, what happened to it? If the retainer clip is deformed you can hammer it flat and it will work. For the price you may as well get a new one. Yes, what you are calling the packing ring is the exhaust gasket and that looks in bad shape and should be replaced. You won't get that at an auto parts store. I would see if I could get rid of the leak with a new exhaust gasket. Start with the cheapest option...

 

Yes... I did not do it, I bought it used. It came with the exhaust. I know he had the dealership do all his work so who knows how it happened. The retaining ring was deformed in a way that it seems it was not seated right.

Yes, the pipe is deformed. I can make that right. I'm sure the gasket was fine, but with a leak it's cut... Or at least compromised. I can't be sure if the leak was from the dent or not seated right.

There is no way to take head pipes off without starting from the other end. So since I had to do the work of taking it all apart, I am just going to get new retainers and gaskets for both cylinders and do it right. I guess it will have to wait for Tuesday now.

 

Use an exhaust pipe spreader to make it round again. I got one at harbor fright it was a piece of **** but worked. I would try the auto store.

 

Get a gasket for your specific application. It doesn’t have to be HD but make sure it is the correct one.

 

They make flat gasket and a beveled one both work. In your case the factory type beveled would be best. It does not have to come from HD.

But unlikely any auto parts store carries it.

You must replace the retainer and get the pipe back in shape . If not it won't seal very long.

 

A suggestion I'll offer, when you go to put it all back together, use two of the 65325-83A retaining rings with the opening 180° apart. It gives a firmer pull on the exhaust when tightening it up.

 

Yep, same gasket for like the last 30 years... I have the tapered one. Got a couple coming tomorrow.

 

The best way to determine what gasket you need with aftermarket exhaust is to consider the shape of the end of the pipe. If tapered or rounded slightly, then use the OEM 65324-83B gasket. If the end is square, then use the SE style 17048-98 gasket.