I keep using the standard exhaust gaskets. It looks like there is nothing to the SE, not tappered. Maybe there is a reason for this, i am not a gasket pro. Not really sure if you need a high performance gasket on the heads. But like I said maybe a reason.

 

I got them in finally. It was a pain in the *** though. Seems like I get to have a fight every step of the way...

I’ve had to weld an Alan to a ½” wrench so I could 90° my torque wrench to get to rockers... grind down another wrench to get to the passing light nut....
nit to mention dropping **** into the black hole behind the starter....
i spend HOURS... and make creeping progress.....

ther being ssid.... I HAVE made progress. All that’s left is finish pipes, abd install outer fairing and oil and it’s time to go!

i hear bikes all day from my shop. Driving me crazy!!

 

1/4 drive ratchet is nice for exhaust bolts on heads.

 

You got the wrong gaskets..... but I see you have already figured that out and corrected the issue.


For future reference...

The Twin Cam engine, OEM exhaust gaskets are #65324-83B. They are thick, with a square side that fits into the head, and a slight conical shape that the head pipe fits into.



They are designed to crush and seal as the header is torqued into the head. They are designed to work best with any header that has a tapered flange/end to the head pipe, that fits into the exhaust port (like this twin Cam OEM head pipe)..




The Screamin Eagle Gaskets are #17048-98. They are 1/2 (maybe less) the thickness of OEM gaskets and are flat and square.



They are also designed to crush (albeit less than OEM) and seal as the header is torqued into the head. They are designed to work best with any header that has a square flange/end to the head pipe that fits into the exhaust port (this is a Buell head pipe for illustration).




Whoever sold you those original gaskets, needs to either pull their head out of their nether regions, and/or actually learn a little bit about the product(s) they are selling....

Good luck with your repair... looks like you are on the downhill side of it.... can't wait to read your report on how it runs when you get it back together...

 

.........
and then there’s copper crush gaskets

 

Progress is slow going. If it weren’t for that damn job of mine!! Ha it gets in the way of all my fun....

 

It's all this brother that makes the "job well done" so satisfying. When you're scrubbing the grease off your bleeding knuckles and the stream of hot water from the shower head soothes your aching back.............you can remind yourself that you just saved a bunch of $$ and you know the job is done.....right!