Replaced header gaskets, exhaust nuts will not stay tight!?!
 

Two weeks ago I repleced the exhaust gaskets on the header. They did not stay tight after the very first ride within twenty miles, they were loose. I tried blue locktight, it did not work, they came loose again. I had to tighten them back after every ride. Then I tried lock washers, no luck. Now I'm having to tighten them after thirty or forty miles. What can I do to keep them tight. This is crazy! I've got some ideas, I want to hear from other people before I try them.

Is it possible that the threads are worn or somewhat stripped?

When I replaced the header's on my scooter, I replaced all of the header-lugs, as well.
If they're getting loose, they are probably backing out of the head.
I wouldn't run the bike till you check this out.
It would suck for loose studs, to strip the head's threads.

Pull the headers, and then lock two nuts together, on each stud (with a lock-washer in between).
Pull them, clean them up and then re-install/replace back in the head with fresh lock-tight.

Then re-install the headers, Remember to tighten from the center and then left-right, rinse/repeat.
That will allow the collar to pull down evenly.
It prevents you bending one of the studs, because you didn't seat the collar evenly.

Ern

threads are not stripped. they are in very good shape for sure. also they are not backing out of the head for sure. is it best to tighten when the engine is still hot or when its like bone chill cold?

im thinking still...a different type lock washer??..#272 red thread locker?? i just looked into doing the aircraft saftey wiring trick. even after the nuts are tightened all the way down, the end of the lug is still 1/4 down inside the nut, so i have room to drill a little hole.

thanks for the new stud idea. i might just buy all new studs too. maybe they will hold better. maybe thats why they hold so good from the factory.

Are you using actual flange nuts or just a regular hex-nut? If they aren't actual flange nuts, I would get them, as well.

F3 fiche but you get the idea, part #12...
HONDA OF TULSA 1996 Honda Street Bike CBR600F3 SUPER SPORT Parts List

Ern

yes i have the factory flange nuts. im stumpted, never had this problem with exhaust studs and nuts before. i'll think of something, unfortunatly, i dont think this is gonna be a quik fix though.

does is make a big difference if i did not torque the header to exactly 9 lbs? ive ionstalled a lot of headers. all i did was just snug them down really good til they stopped. i mean 9 lbs torque, i cant even feel on my torque wrench. wiil that make the nutsb come loose like they are?

Hey Cbrentb, I know your still active and about so I thought I would ask here rather than a new thread...

How did you check your header bolts for tightness? Do I need to drain the coolant etc and remove the radiator?

I hope not - but working space seems very cramped at first glance!

Oh and did you ever solve your problem?!

Hi Fryup2000,

I recently tightened mine up as there were at least 5 of them loose.
As you say it's very tight to get a socket set on them and I ended up using a ring spanner to snug them up.

As mentioned 9ft lbs is a small amount of pressure and I don't have a torque wrench that goes that low so guessed the pressure which I hope is good enough.

Periodically I will have to check mine have not come loose and take the problem if so from there,

Thanks tim,

Will look into this. I assumed header were torqued up pretty tight to make a good seal. Apparently not!

I'm guessing its so you don't crack the pipes or something?

9ft lbs... Will see how low my wrench goes, although I won't be able to fit it in there, just something to compare tightness to!