Need some help with exhaust

I am newly registered although I have breezed through several times over the years. I am resurrecting a 78 Z1r that hasn't seen the road in maybe 15 years or more. I recently refitted the aftermarket sidewinder exhaust after having the bike apart for some time. I clearly didn't understand how the two clamshells work with the pipe collar to seal the exhaust because I think all four pipe are leaking. I replaced all of the gaskets with new and stuck them in place with a little grease. I then put the clamshells over each pipe and slid the collar over the clamshells. I snugged everything up and tapped each head pipe with a rubber mallet to check for metal to metal contact. Finally I put a final torque on the collars. I used new bolts and lock washers. Did I put the clamshells in wrong?
I am also hoping to replace this exhaust soon with something new. The Kerker is a little rich for my blood. The parts unlimited catalog says the vance and hines pro pipes require chassis modificaton. Does anyone know exactly what they are talking about? All exhaust recommendations are welcomed.
Thanks.

I personally love the Mack pipe which you can also buy from BikeBandit. The canister pipe sounds much better than the megaphone pipe. Mack makes both. Always mount the header pipe with the tail pipe removed. this assures the pipe sitting flat on the washers.

Its a crazy design but it works [most of the time]
The clam shells have the straight edge on one end, and the bent/raised edge on the other end. The straight edge goes towards the head but stays on the pipe itself, and the collar pushes against the bent edge forcing the pipe inwards against the copper gasket.
One thing that seems to happen to me is that in the process of wrestling the four pipes, eight clam shells, and 4 collars, a few times 1 or 2 of the collars will overlap each other on a pipe or two. Before I tighten anything at all, I always take the time to check that the clam shells are not overlapped. And are flat on the pipe. If they aren't flat it will never push against the lip of the header pipe.
A couple things that I have found that helps to hold the clam shells in place while doing this balancing act is silicne gasket sealer between the pipe and clam shell, or regular masking tape .
Silicone will not melt like grease or some other items, and if you make the masking tape about 1/4" or so, and keep it near the flat edge of the clam shells, it will eventually smolder away and can't be seen sticking out of the collars. Masking tape around the OUTSIDE of the clam shells, and the silcone between the header pipe and clam shell, just like you are glueing them to the pipe.
Now if I understood your question correctly I think you may have the answer....LOL

Yes, tape works fine. I also use a rubber band. They just burn off during the first start-up.

otakar wrote:

Yes, tape works fine. I also use a rubber band. They just burn off during the first start-up.

:woohoo: :laugh:

Smells like . . . VICTORY!



Good Luck!

I found that after installing a stock exhaust on the 650 that one wouldn't tighten up and made a little noise. I rode it about 20 miles and put it away. The next day I retorqued the exahust collars and that one drew right in. It has been quiet ever since.

Wanted to say thanks to you guys! I went with the rubber band suggestion and it worked like a charm. I even took another tip and installed the head pipes first and then added the collector/muffler. I paid the price for having the bike apart for a while and forgetting how everything came off.

in order to use the v&h sidewinder you might have to rake the frame to prevent interfernce between the front wheel and the pipe under hard braking. especally the pro-pipe. it is alot bigger pipe physically.