Rinehart true duels touching primary

mcs · May 15th, 2009, 04:36 PM

Put rinehart TDs on my 08 ultra over the winter. No matter what I done (even using wedges) when everything was tighten down the pipe was less than 1/8 of an inch off the primary cover. Every 2-300 miles I retightened. It kept getting closer. At 2300 miles it was touching. Loosened everything up and did it all over again. Same as before less than 1/8 inch off primary. Emailed bub and done everything the way they said to do it. Don't want to have to redo this every 2000 miles. When I first installed I would have the header pipe just where it needed to be but when I would try to put the muffler on the header pipe would have to be pulled down to get it on. I believe that the with the muffler on it is putting the header pipe in a bind and forcing the pipe into the primary. I've read about others having this problem. So my question is this: Has anyone tried to mount the header pipe and tighten it down in the proper position and bend the pipe at the last bend to get the muffler to align and go on the way it should? I'm guessing at the most it would only have to be bent 1/4 inch. How would be the best way to do this? Heat it with a torch on the bike and bend it on the bike so you can tell when it is in the right position or mark the pipe, remove it and take it to a muffler shop and let them bend it. I don't think it needs to be bent so much that the heat shield won't go back on. If anyone knows how to correct this without bending that would be great. Thanks.

1988flhtc in nfld · May 15th, 2009, 06:18 PM

that would be a lot of strain on your stud bolts id think,bust up a clyinder thread. a jig made up to bolt to,and then apply slow strain thats what i think pretty sure the guys here will fix you up.

steveb · May 15th, 2009, 06:23 PM

What di BUB say ? Sounds like there is a fitment problem with the '08's. I would be curious how you end up with this I was looking at putting them on my '08 Ultra.

chucktx · May 15th, 2009, 06:42 PM

if you decide to bend the pipe.....take it to a muffler shop that has benders. dont use heat or force it while installed. the muffler shop should be able to bend it in small increments so it doesnt pop the chrome. your not going that far with the bend............be sure to take good measurements and direction of the bend....

mcs · May 16th, 2009, 03:16 PM

Bub ask if I used the james gasket and tightened it down according to the instructions, which I did. Also said that it should be alright because it would move with the motor. But it slowly kept working down until it touched. I'm going to ride it and keep an eye on it. If and when it gets closer to the primary I'll try bending it and if that don't work I'll propably put on bassani's.

1988flhtc in nfld · May 18th, 2009, 02:52 PM

looked down today, crack in my pipe 3/4 way round, mounting bracket broken .just gonna go for a ride.stripped the exhaust off. gonna fab up a new bracket got aone from a buddy to copy. and get out the tig welder fix up the exaust crack,back to powdercoat, i guess ill be down for a few days. oh well the longrange forecast calls for rain all week. oh yeah just figgured out the air ride res. that runs to handlebar is capped off ,aftermarket grips that dont allow acess to the valve , so i tapped the valve and 3/8 air nipple to the roll bar,im earnin a harley education.

chucktx · May 18th, 2009, 06:25 PM

the best way to learn!!!! trial and error! lol

mcs · May 28th, 2009, 05:03 PM

I believe I got the problem corrected without bending the header. After riding about 800 miles had the same problem it was almost touching the primary. The 5/16 - 3/4 inch button bolt that tightens the header tab to the bracket on the starter was very loose again. Removed the heat shield and loosened the muffler camp and muffler mounting bolts. Twisted the muffler with a strap wrench inward toward the tire. Loosened the flange nuts and barrel clamp on the tab. Replaced the button bolt and star lock washer with a 1 inch hex head bolt and regular lock washer. Aligned the header where it should be. Tightened the hex bolt then double nutted it with a lock nut. Tightened the tab barrel clamp. Then tightened the flange nuts. Twisted the muffler back out and tightened the mount bolts. Tightened the muffler clamp and reinstalled the heat shield. Now got a good 1/4 inch or more clearance and I believe might even be able to remove the primary cover without removing the header. I think it will be OK now. My advice would be to lose the button bolt and star washer and use a hex head bolt and regular lock washer. I'll repost after putting some miles on and tell if it is still staying in place.

chucktx · May 28th, 2009, 06:29 PM

i didnt have the same problem you were having, but i did change that nut to a locknut.......

00 wildglide · May 28th, 2009, 08:58 PM

(jmo)...I love my Thunderheader!!!...only 1 side to deal with when sh_t goes wrong

LOL...
00 wildglide

mcs · Jun 18th, 2009, 06:07 PM

Got a little over 1000 miles on it now and header right where it should be. The hex head bolt still tight. The button bolt and star washer was definitely the problem.

chucktx · Jun 18th, 2009, 07:25 PM

glad it is doing like it should!!!

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