Harley Davidson Street Forums banner

Header pipes

10621 Views 20 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  CheezeIt
I was wondering how tight should the nuts be on the header pipes. I took mine off to wrap the pipes. The nuts were not tight when I took the pipes off. I have the pipes back on. But I am worried that I may have over tightened the nuts. :(
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
You could try loosening the nuts. Do you have a service manual and a torque wrench?
You could try loosening the nuts. Do you have a service manual and a torque wrench?
I have a torque wrench. It is the service manual that I do not have. Perhaps I am going to need to invest in one.....
I have a torque wrench. It is the service manual that I do not have. Perhaps I am going to need to invest in one.....
It's worth it!

Your Muffler nuts are 25-30 Nm (19-22ft lbs) and the Exhaust to engine nuts are 8-10 Nm (71-88 in-lbs)
It's worth it!

Your Muffler nuts are 25-30 Nm (19-22ft lbs) and the Exhaust to engine nuts are 8-10 Nm (71-88 in-lbs)
Perfect, Thank you and Thanks for the conversion into pounds.
Flamegirl, care to post a shot of the wrapped headers back on the bike? I'm considering doing the same thing.
Flamegirl, care to post a shot of the wrapped headers back on the bike? I'm considering doing the same thing.
Of course. I used a kit from DEI. The kit has 2" tape, ties and silicone paint to finish the wrap. I am very pleased with the finish. With the silicone paint, the wrap smoked like crazy and still smells a bit.

https://www.deipowersports.com/products/exhaust-wraps-accessories/motorcycle-exhaust-pipe-wrap-kit

Attachments

See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Dig it! I'll probably remove the black heat shield behind the brake and replace it with another one of their products:

https://www.deipowersports.com/products/component-specific-products/titanium-pipe-shield

Dime City Cycles has a ver differently sized versions that look like they'd go over that Cat very well.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Is there a map for the pipe wraps on the FP3? I've heard wrapping pipes can be bad on equipment if you don't tune for it. I'm pretty new to bikes though, can anybody clarify this for me? I'm wanting to wrap my pipes as well.
Is there a map for the pipe wraps on the FP3? I've heard wrapping pipes can be bad on equipment if you don't tune for it. I'm pretty new to bikes though, can anybody clarify this for me? I'm wanting to wrap my pipes as well.
I have heard that it can cause rust. As far as the mapping, I did not think about that. My bike seems to be running just fine with a canned map. We do have the Autotune feature with the V&H FP3. I have been thinking about playing around with that anyways.....
My understanding is that header wrap with increase the velocity of the exhaust. Not sure how much it will increase intake, if at all.

Anyone have some specific knowledge on the subject?

Either way, I'd hit the autotune.
Ok I found the website I was thinking of: Unwrapping the Mystery of Exhaust Wrap


"The Risks



Exhaust wrapping is not without its risks. First, the higher exhaust exit temperatures can lean out the fuel mixture of an engine – sometimes severely. An overly lean situation can lead to rapid engine failure. Thus, wrapped pipes may necessitate either re-jetting or a change in mapping depending on your bike’s fuel management system.


There is also a real risk of header and pipe damage due to excessive heat build-up. There are numerous reports of split and cracked exhausts that can be attributed to the use of exhaust wrap."
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Looks good Flamegirl!

Wrapping them allows the headers to overheat and eventually the metal will deteriorate on you. I was thinking of spraying mine with a few coats of bbq paint before they go back on, when I do wrap mine. Kiss warranty good bye on some stuff if you do go ahead with it.
Looks good Flamegirl!

Wrapping them allows the headers to overheat and eventually the metal will deteriorate on you. I was thinking of spraying mine with a few coats of bbq paint before they go back on, when I do wrap mine. Kiss warranty good bye on some stuff if you do go ahead with it.
Okay, I am freaked out. I have been looking all over the web for a solid answer. In most cases as long as you have good pipes the wrap should be ok. I question the quality of the steel in our pipes. I love my Street but question the quality of parts used. I am not worried about rust as I live in California. Heat and cracking a pipe are my concerns. I have started to Auto Tune the bike with the FP3 to make sure I am not running too lean. :|
Okay, I am freaked out. I have been looking all over the web for a solid answer. In most cases as long as you have good pipes the wrap should be ok. I question the quality of the steel in our pipes. I love my Street but question the quality of parts used. I am not worried about rust as I live in California. Heat and cracking a pipe are my concerns. I have started to Auto Tune the bike with the FP3 to make sure I am not running too lean. :|
Wrapping adds a layer of thermal insulation, just like wearing a fur coat. Heat is an enemy to metals. I think what you have done will keep the metal from cooling as it normally would, thereby reducing the life of the metal, as well as keeping a bit more heat at the heads themselves. Rust is also a concern no matter where you live. Think humidity, rain, etc. If you are doing it just for looks (which I personally don't like), you may be at risk.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Okay, I am freaked out. I have been looking all over the web for a solid answer. In most cases as long as you have good pipes the wrap should be ok. I question the quality of the steel in our pipes. I love my Street but question the quality of parts used. I am not worried about rust as I live in California. Heat and cracking a pipe are my concerns. I have started to Auto Tune the bike with the FP3 to make sure I am not running too lean. :|
Obtuse pretty much nailed it. It's a new bike, new design and a new pipe so I'm guessing no one really knows. Being liquid cooled and all, it might not be that big of a problem but in my experience, once you start doing things on your own the moco has a funny way of making their deficiencies your fault. Even when it very well might not be because of a mod you did. People are split down the middle with wrapped pipes, I find. I like them on the streets ... it goes well with the brat look if the bikes are done up properly.
I put the exhaust pipe wrap on without removing the pipes from my street 750. Looks awesome! Below is the link to the video and my YouTube channel.

1 - 20 of 21 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top