exhaust leaking from header to motor connection

[allthumbs]

I get exhaust leaking at exhaust/motor joints and popping sounds from mufflers. It started on just the left side. I removed the left and right header to check the seals and when i replaced them it started happening on both sides. I reckon the exhaust pipe gaskets need to be replaced but that would only make sense if the right side was doing it at first as well, no?

Do i just need to tighten the hell out of the joint nuts?

idles high too, is this related? I've adjusted the carbs

any help much appreciated

David

[allthumbs]

also, I've got new exhaust pipe gaskets, copper rings. They are really tight and don't seem to want to go into the hole unless I force them, do I force them? or do I file them down?

anyone know

I know these are probably elementary things, but then again, I am in fact AllThumbs

thanks much

[allthumbs]

I replaced the exhaust pipe gasket over there, right side is good, left popping and backfiring about the same. the mufflers are not stock, maybe the angle is holding the header flange from seating properly against the gasket?

it's a killing me

what am I not doing right here?

[Phil-UK]

Hi

Wouldn't file the exhaust gaskets .. if they are a tight fit in the exhaust port I'd be more inclined to
clean up the ports as it may be built up soot thats making them tight.
When you refit the headers are you slackening off the silencer mounts as well ?
Sometimes it helps to slacken things a bit so all the joints can move and then tighten up the header
clamps so they sit properly in the head and then tighten the silencer mounting bolts .. just gives
everthing achance to line up properly.

Phil

[allthumbs]

hey Phil,
THanks for the reply, I did loosen the silencer mounts so they could move forward and aft. They now are no exhaust blowouts up at the joints. Still the popping and misfiring.

maybe timing?

[Phil-UK]

I seem to remember a comment in Bill Silver's book saying that because the inlets are not the
same on both cylinders one cylinder directs fresh mixture straight at a plug so that can cause popping.

But, if in your case it wasn't doing it before then the usual suspects ( in no particular order ) are :-

1. Leak in exhaust ( sounds like you checked it all )
2. Leak in intake side. ( try spraying WD40 around the carb mountings with the engine running,
theory is if there is a leak then it gets sucked in and the engine revs change )
3. Incorrect timing. ( check gaps then strobe )
4. Dodgy plug or HT lead. ( replace plugs, cut back HT lead and reconnect plug cap )
5. Condenser starting to fail. ( you will probably see a lot of arcing at the points when running )

Does it pop all the time or only when you rev it up then let the throttle go ? Is it any better when you are riding it .. if nothing shows up checking the above maybe one of the gurus can advise.

cheers

Phil