Exhaust Question

I have a 1976 KZ900 with a 4 into 1 Vance and Hines pipe. I just got the bike a couple of months ago. While working on it this winter, I notices that where the header pipe connects to the rear portion, the megaphone, there was some clay like stuff to stop the exhuast leak. There is no clamp or gasket. Is there a place that I can order the gasket or clamp to connect to two together properly ? Also, I noticed that some the studs where the header connects to the engine are stripped/rusted. Are all of the studs screwed into the engine ? I plan on replacing all of the studs.

The V&H I have may be similar to the one you have. The muffler slips on to the collector BUT the muffler does not have a split end (whereas the muffler on a Kerker does have split tabs...which a clamp compresses making a seal). Absence of those splits on a V&H will not allow the pipe to be compressed around the collector...hence the use of some sort of sealing compound. As for replacing exhaust studs, I think there are a number of threads on this forum that will aid you...and they do thread into the head.

My Vance and Hines is slip fit-the megaphone just pushes up onto the headpipe.No "goop" required.There is a bracket that is bolted to the frame to keep the megaphone from slipping off

Use red RTV silicone(the high heat stuff). I run a medium sized bead around the inside of the muffler and a smaller one around the end of the collector, slip them together and tighten the mounting bolts, let sit for 24hrs minimum, and you'll be good to go. Don't be suprised when you start it and it blows the dried excess out the end of your pipe.:laugh:

BIGKEVIN wrote:

I have a 1976 KZ900 with a 4 into 1 Vance and Hines pipe. I just got the bike a couple of months ago. While working on it this winter, I notices that where the header pipe connects to the rear portion, the megaphone, there was some clay like stuff to stop the exhuast leak. There is no clamp or gasket. Is there a place that I can order the gasket or clamp to connect to two together properly ? Also, I noticed that some the studs where the header connects to the engine are stripped/rusted. Are all of the studs screwed into the engine ? I plan on replacing all of the studs.

V&H 4>1 are designed to fit closely without needing a clamp or gasket.

Could apply High-Temp Copper Permatex sealant. But don't overdo it. Just use a thin strip around header where muffler will barely push over and cover the sealant strip when the muffler is being installed. This is so it may be taken apart in the future if desired.

The exhaust studs are replaceable.
Z1E carries the exhaust studs.
Click > www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=100

Good Fortune!

I have already ordered the studs from Z1. I was just wondering if all 8 of them screw into the head, which is think that they do. Thanks for the info also on the sealant.

Yep. All the studs screw into the head. If you don't use flange nuts you'll have to use lock washers on the collars.

Exhaust clamps 3.5"....


www.jpcycles.com/product/ZZ47320


Selectable sizes....
www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/13/118/3...aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch