Exhaust Flange Nuts
#1
04-21-2018, 06:11 PM
Exhaust Flange Nuts
Hey everyone,
I went on a 200 mile ride today and during the ride I noticed that both nuts on the front cylinders were missing. My question is, what should I be worried about since both were missing and the flange was not up against the exhaust port? I was close to a napa and was able to find two nuts to fit to complete the trip. I’m sure I’ll have to replace the exhaust gasket but I’m not sure if I should be concerned with any other damage, like valve damage, etc. the bike seemed to run fine, would just like to know if I should be on the look for anything. Thanks in advance!
I went on a 200 mile ride today and during the ride I noticed that both nuts on the front cylinders were missing. My question is, what should I be worried about since both were missing and the flange was not up against the exhaust port? I was close to a napa and was able to find two nuts to fit to complete the trip. I’m sure I’ll have to replace the exhaust gasket but I’m not sure if I should be concerned with any other damage, like valve damage, etc. the bike seemed to run fine, would just like to know if I should be on the look for anything. Thanks in advance!
#2
04-21-2018, 06:16 PM
You said the bike was running fine, but didn't you notice anything out of the ordinary (e.g. louder exhaust, heat on your calf)? Damage really depends on how long you were running w/the flange bolts gone & if it pulled away enough to cause heat/pressure/compression issues...
I say, tighten them up to spec, get a 2nd nut on them (double nut), ride the bike and see if anything's amiss.
I say, tighten them up to spec, get a 2nd nut on them (double nut), ride the bike and see if anything's amiss.
#3
04-21-2018, 06:26 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Doubt the crush gasket has a problem. But get you the original harden OEM nuts from Harley. Aftermarket just won't fall off, in fact, in a few years, they won't come off. Turn OEM up snug and a bit more to use the spring in the copper crush gasket to hold them tight. Now with a piece of paper, and running, see if it is leaking by holding the paper up close with needle noise. See no flutter?, I would not worry about it.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; 04-21-2018 at 06:28 PM.
#4
04-21-2018, 06:37 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
The two flanged nuts came off the rear cylinder of my son's Iron. He didn't even know it until a buddy was looking his bike over and noticed it. I brought a couple of 5/16-24 hex nuts home from work and we tightened it back up. Even though he's bought a pair of the HD flanged nuts since, he's still running with the hex nuts we put on with no leaks.
You should be good to go.
You should be good to go.
#5
04-21-2018, 07:35 PM
I held a dollar up to the exhaust port at the flange and did not see any flutter. Also seems to have plenty of pressure out the end. I am going to get the OEM nuts and replace the gasket just for safe measure.
I didn’t feel any changes in the performance however I wore a full face today due to temps and I couldn’t hear that blown gasket sound.
its a brand new bike I just turned over 500 miles today, so I think I’m stressing thinking I messed something up. Thanks for all the advice!
I didn’t feel any changes in the performance however I wore a full face today due to temps and I couldn’t hear that blown gasket sound.
its a brand new bike I just turned over 500 miles today, so I think I’m stressing thinking I messed something up. Thanks for all the advice!
#6
04-21-2018, 08:05 PM
HDF Community Team
Very common on new bikes, just everything settling in. Have the dealer change the gasket and the nuts, it's under warranty and you don't want to mess it up when you don't have to. That's something they should check at your 500/1000 mile service.
John
John
Last edited by John Harper; 04-21-2018 at 08:06 PM.
#7
04-21-2018, 09:28 PM
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