Hello everyone,

I have a couple ofgeneral questions about HD exhaust.

What are the best ways to prevent exhaust leaks at the head?

And, what is the best way to check for leaks at the head?

 

Make sure to use new gaskets if you remove the exhaust, stock HD gaskets work fine.

Right after you start the bike, run your hands around the exhaust ports to feel for leaks. Or take a cigarette or cigar and let it smoke around the ports to see if there is a leak.........it will blow the smoke around if there is a leak.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve, I'll give that a try.

 

Also, the gaskets will compress after a few on-off cycles. After, say, 100 miles, I'd re-torque them evenly to 120 inch pounds per the service manual.

 

You can also use a propane torch to check for leaks.... Light the torch and turn down the flame to the color "blue" and then run it around the seal a few times... If the leak is bad enough the flame will turn orange.... A help holding a rag on the end of the exhaust pipe will also aid in locating a leak.