Using Harley Exhaust gaskets for V&H exhaust

[fltekdiver]

I was doing some research and found that you can use HD exhaust gaskets on the 1600 I just bought, with the V&H exhaust

looks like they both are 2", and from what I read, their better then the rush gasket type Kawaski sells

Part:

Harley Davidson part # 17048-98

Any advise before I order them?

I just bought a set of V&H exhaust for my 1600 Nomad today :)

[Cajunrider]

That's what I used on my 1600 with V&H. No problems.

[fltekdiver]

perfect, thanks, its greatley apprecaited, I'm going to HD now to go buy some

[cactusjack]

Nomad owners have been using these for years. They are cheaper than Kaw sells them for and HD dealers keep them in stock. I tried to buy a pair at my dealer once and they didn't stock them. ???

[macmac]

Only V&H advise I can offer is clean up any burrs pipe to muffs, pre fit them on the floor, and make then slip easy. IMO the clamps should not be used. Antiseize the joints rell well instead. This lets the pipes move in the muffler.

Service the head studs, and make sure you don't need an extra flat washer on the head studs. Just about the time the acorn nuts seem tight is about where the last gap you can't tighten the pipes on the gasket quite enough sometimes.

I like to gauge all this and wire brush the studs clean, then tap off where the nuts will be and paint the rest with hi temp flat black paint with misting into the cans top, painting from there with a acid brush, antiseize all the threads not in paint. I also switched out the chrome nuts and washers for stainless and polished the nuts.

'IF' you insist to use the clamps, then in order install the system with out tightening anything, wrap the system harder with the heel of a hand everywhere, then snug the mufflers first, then the head pipes after wrapping and tapping again to 'settle the parts, last tighten the foolish clamps. This action will reduce stress.

[MAS Tequila]

I've been using the HD gaskets also.

Like Mac said, be sure not to over-tighten the head-bolts. I would hate to have to pull a broken stud out.

I used lock washers on mine just to be sure the cap nuts wouldn't bottom out.

The newer V&H sets aren't as bad as they used to be as far as the mufflers sliding on. But I would also advise you to fit the mufflers to the pipes before installing. It's easier to pull them back apart if you need to size them.

MT

[Cajunrider]

You're right MT about the cans fitting better on the header pipes. I had no burrs to grind. Everything fit loose with no binding at all.

[fltekdiver]

Thanks guys, it's REALLY apprecaited ! I bought a set " Used " off Ebay today for $250.00 plus $16.00 shipping. They looked to be in good condition in the pics.

I plan on doing these when I service the swing arm, and put the 205 C/T on next week

While I do all this, C/T, exhaust, service the swing arm, add a Night Riderz light in the rear, and so on, I plan on doing the fairing, speakers, radio, etc

Allot going on considering I just bought the bike last weekend !

Next project will be to ad about 400 GREEN , for Kawaski LED's on the bike. You should see my Gold Wing and VTX, I lite them up from front to back :)

[fltekdiver]

BTW, I just came back from a nice ride to HD, to buy the gaskets, temps in the low to mid 50's, and went to dinner with a good friend of mine. The bikes to quite, can't wait to put thr V&H on it, and I'll probalbey add the quite baffles to them as well, just to deepen the tone a bit

[jmilucky]

yeah...great ride, dinner and one of us is back at work....

[redjay]

I use the Harley gaskets, no issues.

[hammer]

Yep, HD gaskets, all that Mac said plus I use HD muffler clamps. HD may tell you they are single use but I just replace the bolt and nut and use them over and over again.

[ringadingh]

When your installing the V&H pipes make sure the header pipes are hanging freely without any binding or stress, They rear pipes sometimes crack at the first bend, although this problem isn't near as common as it was a few years ago.