Advice fitting headers

[Tuono1961]

Just acquired some Remus headers and have been out in the garage this evening fitting them.

Everything back together and bolted up but I can feel a very slight exhaust leek around the cylinder heads with my hand on revving the engine.

I know I should have bought new gaskets and will do so but in the meantime am I likely to do any serious damage riding the bike over the next couple of days whilst awaiting delivery

 

[Yonkyo]

No.

Your header blowing slightly wont cause any engine damage.
You might notice a slight drop in performance, but i doubt it.

Have you tried, loosening all the exhaust fittings, then re-tightening them?
that might stop it blowing.

 

[Tuono1961]

Thanks for the quick response

Well I risked it this morning and any slight loss I may have lost in performance was made up for 100 times in the benefit of the headers.. Just wow is all I can say. Pick up is so much better and it revs so much freer.

Loosened and retightened as you said and think I've solved the leak. Gonna replace the gaskets anyway just for piece of mind

 

[Boxerboy55]

If it's now leak tight and secure I'd leave well alone rather than disturb it again. Even for new gaskets.

I did use new gaskets when fitting my Remus headers but many get away with re-using the gaskets. It's most important to have the whole system lined up properly and tightened evenly. And not too tight to over crush the gaskets.

 

[Yonkyo]

You're right there Boxerboy

I have always re-used the gaskets when i've swapped headers on my GS's.

 

[Kremmen]

Gonna replace the gaskets anyway just for piece of mind

Why????... if you have checked that the system was level when you nipped up the nuts, and proceeded to tighten them both evenly....and after running her up there are no leaks.......they wont just start leaking.
They are extortionately priced for what they are...wait and see if all's well after a couple of runs.