Head screw...

[JoeShovel]

OK, so I noticed last night when I was putting the exhaust back on that on one head when I would tighten the screw for the exhaust it would eventually start to loosen again (stripped?). I start the bike up since I put new wrap on the pipes and after a few cracks of the throttle the flange is disconnected from the head. I have never had to re-tap, is there a kit I can buy and is there anything I need to watch out for since it is the head? Does it sound like just the wrong size screw? I mean there has been no issues since last night and today. I looked at the threads on the screw and they looked fine.

TIA,

[springer-]

Common problem on the old shovels. I would consider a time-sert http://www.timesert.com/

You could also use a heli coil or keen sert but I prefer the time-sert.

After fixing the threads you can install a stud and use nuts to hold the exhaust on, that way you never have to remove them and risk additional damage to the head. Someone makes a kit for that I believe. You can do it all on the bike, becareful, take your time and do it right and it will last. Always good to test it on some old metal first if you have never done one before to get the hang of it.

[atrick]

another way similar to springer's idea is use a stainless steel bolt a little longer than the thickness of the gasket, exhaust pipe flange, washer, lock washer and a nut. thread the nut all the way down to the head of the nut, slip the lock washer then the washer on the bolt. Put the pipe on and tighten the bolt into the head, then tighten the nut up to the flange. I use the bolt instead of a stud cause you can get the bolt tighter into the head than you can with a stud with jam nuts, just make sure you don't strip out the head and use stainless steel cause they will never rust and use locktite. worked on my 78 glide for 31 years.

[JoeShovel]

I am extremely scared to perform the heli coil or time insert in the head. My friend showed me some damaged heads. Can be fixed I know but rather not take the chance. After tightening the screw without the flange I realized it would be tight with no problem. So I assumed that the bolt was to short and was not getting enough threads. I went and got 3.8-16X1 bolt with a lock washer and it seems to be fine now. I have not started it up yet which will seal the deal if it is fixed or not. If anything changes I will be coming back...

Thanks guys...