Exhaust Flange HELP...PLEASE

[Staffy]

Every time I change/remove my pipes I get into a jam...The exhaust flange on my bike is "bent" and makes it a bitch to remove (gets caught on the exhaust studs).
New ones get on fine then, I typically will tighten 80 inch/lbs but same results - they bend :angry: :angry: . Have had to change the flange kit a FEW times same results. . I have tried just about every exhaust gasket, flat racing (screaming eagle), crush cone, same results :bang: :bang: .The studs themselves seem to appear fine. Seems like....the opening to the heads doesn't have a deep enough opening/groove to accomodate the pipe head and gasket so it protudes - and while tightening - bends the flange.
Should I risk it an put a washer on the studs before inserting the flange; so as to bring the flange out a bit :loony: :loony: . sounds stupid and risky (could cause an exhaust leak) I'm lost and need some advise PLEASE....thanks all....here is a pic with the flanges set back to back - just giving you an idea of how much it bends...

 

[Cutter]

?????????????????
I wouldn't think that 80 in/lbs would bend them...
No offense intended, but are you sure that the torque wrench is right ?

 

[Vegas]

There is no way 80 inch pounds bends steel that thick. Are they the correct pipes?

 

[barhopper]

I got it. Stop taking the damn pipes off and ride the sucker. :roll: :roll: :2thumbs:

 

[lee]

I'm with Cutter and Vegas - 80 in lbs is not a lot of torque. I'm always tempted to go higher (I don't) because it is so low.

 

[MARV]

snap ring might be stretched and not seating in the groove of the flange?

also with some 2 into 1 pipes i've had to adjust the spacing of the head pipes to seat into the ports correctly.

 

[Staffy]

Thanks..good start....80 in/lbs it is....may be a tad more but that's about IT...

V&H 2-1.....would like to ride the damn bike, but....2nd time my exhaust mounting bracket broke - V&H sent me 2 brackets this time (very prompt and professional customer service) guess they know me by now :lol: :lol: Also needed to align the rear wheel so combined the two this time exhaust bracket and wheel alignment. That aside....need some help please...

Marv...snap ring good...adjusting the pipes themselfs...I guess that is to get them into the ports - correct?

It is clear that the collar of the pipes juts out causing the flange to bend when tightned...so coming back, any one tried putting a spacer/washer before mounting the flange or should I just scrap that idea and continue with replacing the flange kit. That is not too bad however getting them off is a @*&$&#)!*$&.....

Help!!!! Please....

 

[rhinoevans]

I had problems installing my V&H 2-1 on a 2002 Pitbul. I could not get it to seat properly. removed them and reinstalled. Not sure what I did different but they went on better. I did not attach to the mounting bracket till I was convinced I had them on the cylinders correctly. They never did allign correctly on the mounting bracket. only able to use 1 of the 2 bolts that attach the bracket to the muffler. Attached both bolts to the frame and bracket. My problme is that the pipes is for a softail HD. I have a HARDTAIL Big DOG. I am happy that they finally went onto the cylinders, but am waiting for my bracket to "SNAP" like I have seen on this forum from a few members.

 

[lee]

staffy - have you got any pics of the ports and the pipes offered up to them?

 

[Staffy]

staffy - have you got any pics of the ports and the pipes offered up to them?

On it - stay tuned...Thanks

 

[REDDOG737]

I worked in a custom bike shop for two years and we always installed exhaust flange nuts with a 1/4 inch drive socket set as tight as we could get it. (with the 1/4 inch drive) Then in 1-2 riding days, re-tightened them with the 1/4 inch socket set. You will have tight pipes without bending flanges. Every time I have used that 80 in lb setting, I have bent the flanges. "Just my 2 cents worth."

 

[HOOLIGAN]

I'm with REDDOG on this one. I've never bent an exhaust flange. At the same time i've never used a torque wrench when putting pipes on either.

 

[hoat]

your exhaust gaskets may not be thick enough. Raywood had a post about doubling them up. not the tapered ones but the thin square ones