Are exhaust o-rings needed on cobra 6 in 6 exhaust?

[archerdude]

My hot rod build is near completion and im in the final stretch..BUT I bought a used set of Cobra's 6 into 6 pipes and I have no install intructions, I found a set of instructions on google BUT they did not mention o-rings. I put a new set of o-rings in the heads and there is hardly any room on the threads for the acorn nuts that fasten the pipes to the head. So before I pull out the o rings and possibly bend them and try to install pipes without them, I need knowledge! Please advise! Thanks everyone!

Pics coming soon, this is a VERY cool bike!

[sandy]

When you say O rings: Are you talking about a rubber ring? The exhaust needs a copper crush washer. Make sure you clean out any leftover material before installing. The torque is low (7-9 ft/lbs). Ace hardware may have them. They're 1 1/2" diameter.

[archerdude]

Im talking about the copper o ring (crush washer), it goes into the head between the header and the cylinder head. total of 6, 1 for each cylinder. I did remove the old ones 1st..they were old and nasty..

[Jess from VA]

If by O-rings you mean exhaust gaskets, yes you need them.

Some have reused gaskets using the same pipes, but you can end up with leaks that way.  With different pipes, I'd use your new gaskets.

New gaskets are crushable (thus your short clearance), so any air leaks are minimized (old ones have already been crushed).

Remember the torque setting for exhaust studs/acorns is only 7 foot pounds.  Don't even use a torque wrench, just snug them up gently.  After your first ride, snug them again.  And maybe a third time a month later.  But easy on the wrench, snapping those studs is easy (and then you will need an easy out).  Quarter inch sockets are best, and give more feel than heavier 3/8 drive tools on exhaust.

[Hook#3287]

I just did this on my Bobber "fun" bike.  It's real hard to get the exhaust nuts on, but it can be done by just starting all of them a little bit first.  The mount hardware down by the swingarm needs to be just started also.  It's fiddly, but with patience you should be able to get it.

[gordonv]

Try again to see if you can tighten your acorn exhaust nuts.

If not, then you may still have some old crush washers under the ones you already removed. A pick might help. I had 2 sets on my 1st bike.