header bolts

[CASABROKER]

put new gaskets on my pipes had a leak.  How many re torques needed?  Firstly re torque on the right side is questionable when I can only get a box end on some of the bolts.  Would it be better to tighten when cold?  I've tightened 3 times and still hear a click.  I am only snugging them

[GOOSE]

         casabroker-  when i install the gaskets i coat them with a little axle grease before i put them in, this allows them to kinda stick in place until i get the pipes up into position.  after i get all the nuts started, i use a 1/4" drive ratchet, a 6" extension, and a 10mm swivel socket on all the nuts except the rear right side one.  on that nut i use a 10mm small miniature ignition wrench.  all the nuts are torqued at 7 ft. lbs. (84" lbs.).  if you do not have a torque wrench, then just use the hand ratchet, and tighten from the center out in increments till tight.  with the ratchet held like you are palming it, pull it up tight.  the nut on the right rear side, use the little ignition wrench, and pull it tight.  good luck.

[chrise2469]

A 10mm ratcheting gearwrench is your friend for this.  I carry one in my saddle-bag, great 7 buck investment from sears (in the USA).
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947814000P?prdNo=4

[GOOSE]

i  tighten the nuts after i put the pipes on, start the motor, and let it run for a few minutes, cut the motor off, and snug the nuts up a second time.

[Patrick]

It'll take a few times,, these little guys like to loosen themselves.. Just snug them, they break pretty easy.. They are also a son-of-a-gun to get right, in that, its easy to get one off just a bit and they will still leak.. Personally I like the fiber gaskets by Viking..

[Chrisj CMA]

The reason they "loosen" is becuase over the course of the next couple days the new copper gaskets crush down and get thinner now the nuts need to be tightened again.  This will continue until all the gaskets are squished flat .  If you hear a ticking after all nuts are snugged up, you may not have the headers mounted squarly.  With the stock pipes and the headers all connected it is easy to get them cocked a bit and they will leak until you reseat them squarely agaist the head

[CASABROKER]

I used the fiber ones.  I've snugged them down, ride for a while and they still seem kinda loose.  I've done this about 4 or 5 times.  I still hear a little click at idle but once I take off it seems to go away.  Before it would tick while driving. 

[Warlock]

I used the fiber ones.  I've snugged them down, ride for a while and they still seem kinda loose.  I've done this about 4 or 5 times.  I still hear a little click at idle but once I take off it seems to go away.  Before it would tick while driving. 

If you bike hasn't been de-smogged the pair valves will tick at low rpm's and go away as you increase rpm's. JAT
David