Exhaust Split Collar / Keeper Spacing

Hello,

Did some searching and did not see any related topics - I'm wondering if the split keeper spacing / position matters when installing an exhaust / header? On my kz1000, i noticed the "split keeper" spacing is not equal on all the pipes. My #3 cylinder has the keeper nearly touching on one side, with a larger gap on the other. I'm talking about the pieces that actually seat the pipe to the head, not the circular "clamp" that holds it all together. Am I over-thinking this?


Thanks!
Dustin

As long as the exhaust system is mounted securely & there are no leaks, you'll be fine.
I try to install the half-moon exhaust collars evenly & with the gaps between the mounting studs.

I've heard some folks use scotch tape to keep the split collars and exhaust gaskets in place while installing them, taped to the head pipes. The tape burns after start up.

I've never done this, as I don't want to clean off burnt tape from my pipes. But I have heard of it many times....

Masking tape.
Steve

swest wrote: Masking tape.
Steve

Correct.
And the tape, if install d right, never touches the pipes so I don't understand the comment about keeping it off the pipes

Steve's right. Masking tape makes it so easy.

Thanks, Martin.

I know the tricks to install them, but some of my keepers shifted before I tightened the nuts.

I have a spare set of coppers, so I might give it a go with better rubber bands this time around.

Thanks for the replies!

missionkz wrote:

swest wrote: Masking tape.
Steve

Correct.
And the tape, if install d right, never touches the pipes so I don't understand the comment about keeping it off the pipes

The ones I had to clean with wire wheel had burnt tape, several layers of tape, on the split collars, the clamping collars, head pipes, and the pipe end flanges.

I've never had to use tape to do this......I just know lots of people do, and I've seen some results that I didn't appreciate very much....same goes for using RTV in place of gaskets. I don't like cleaning up after someone else's RTV "party" either....

Too much is just too much. :whistle:
Steve