Need ideas

putting my exhaust back together. had a previous leak at the header/muffler joint due to using bad clamps. just want to make sure it can't possibly leak. i've already cleaned up the surfaces with emry cloth. anybody know about any type of sealants or anything

I have heard some guys having decel popping and after richening up the mixture to get rid of the pop still have it, what they did was to use copper (ultra high temp exhaust silicone)sealant, I have not used this but have heard a few guys that have, eliminates the cold air getting drawn in causing the popping and you would still be able to take it apart very easily. Todd

I've always used the copper high temp silicone sealant. Don't know if it helps that much or not, but I've used it anyway. As far as I can tell everything still comes apart easily. I think sometimes it might make it come apart easier since it helps keep the parts from rusting/corroding together.

exactly, it's trying to fine tune a map, can't tell if your're lean or the exhaust is puling in air:gah: so far it's been :witsend:

clamps- my problem started by using the clamps provided by V/H. i swiched back to the stock HD ones which are much better, now i've heard you shouldn't re-use them. is that just crap from the manual, you know throw everything away. they seem ok to me

Well, I don't know what's correct, but I've reused the ones on my Rinehart TD's several times. As long as the look good, why not? Squirt a little lube on the threads so they turn easily.

exactly what i plan to do, plus thinking about alittle silicone around the joint to keep it from pulling in air just in case

I woulnt be afraid at all to use a little silicone around the joints, its not like locktite, it will come apart, I use silicone damn near every day at my job, as a matter of fact alot of oe stuff uses it instead of a traditional gasket, have never had a problem getting it apart to fix something, Todd

I use Loctite brand high temp silicone red at the slide in area on all fittings of the exhaust on both my baggers. It will seal up and not leak, lowers the chance for "squeaks" on the stock bagger exhaust (with aftermarket or stock mufflers) and removal is easy when the time comes. I've put over 10k on each of my baggers in the past year, and have not had a leak at joints on either of them.

Stuff is pretty cheap too. Just clean the areas that will contact, and give them both a very light coat (just enough to tell it's on there) on the contact area.

well it's back together. wasn't happy with how weakly the clamps drew down.seemed weak doesn't seem to leak. going to test it by obstructing the exhaust alittle. the 5/16 bolt with washers toned em down and made the exhaust deeper. unable to get on the road (10 degrees):rant: . looking for some good clamps to no avail. HD seems to be the only ones with good clamps, i'm going to call the steeler and see if they're the most expensive:brick: going to checkout an auto parts store too.

my big question is...... why not braze/weld the damned thing:gah:

it'll still be able to remove it, and have excess to the baffles

see it leak then:devil:

it worked

have had a chance to ride a little. the damned popping and farting are gone. the lolipop thing is what did it. now i get a nice rumble. seems to have better low-end performance too

After my Stage I upgrade I get less popping, but it still happens when the engine's not completely warmed up and occasionally when it is warm. I had V&H baffles put in my straight pipes and it helped the low end a lot. If I'm following this thread correctly, I should I check the clamps around my pipes and tighten them after a ride to help with the popping?

popping and farting is like a curse, it can be the result of several causes.one of them being a poorly tuned map. before doing anything with a map i would strongly recommend making sure your intake & exhaust don't leak. exhausts seem to like to leak at the header/muffler joint, i believe this is often the result of using those sub-standard clamps which come with aftermarket pipes. if you attempt to adjust a map on a leaky bike you'll drive yourself nuts, like a dog chasing his/her tail

I've occasionally wondered what kind of clamps are on my drag pipes. There's a HOG chapter meeting in two weeks and I'll make notes of all my questions and see what's up. I'd gladly change to Harley clamps if it stops the popping.

Update: Oh well, tried tightening the clamps and they as tight as could be..