Changing the header pipes over

[Ali-bear]

Seasons greetings

I have a set of cat-free header pipes ready to bolt to my '07 bike. A quick check with the spanners shows the flange stud bolts will come off easy but the lambda sensors won't budge and I need them to fit into the new pipe. So:

1) Is there something recommended for loosening the lambda sensors? I'm thinking either getting the pipes hot or some kind of loosener applied cold (WD40?)

2) Do I need new sealing rings at the head end?

Any other tips?

ta

 

[Pukmeister]

1).A big spanner and some testosterone.

2). Yes, new gaskets (flame rings).

 

[jeff]

Seasons greetings

I have a set of cat-free header pipes ready to bolt to my '07 bike. A quick check with the spanners shows the flange stud bolts will come off easy but the lambda sensors won't budge and I need them to fit into the new pipe. So:

1) Is there something recommended for loosening the lambda sensors? I'm thinking either getting the pipes hot or some kind of loosener applied cold (WD40?)

2) Do I need new sealing rings at the head end?

Any other tips?

ta

Heat is your best bet. Pencil flame from torch if you have access to one frees most stuff.

 

[autogs]

have you the proper lambda probe socket,do a search on ebay.

 

[Ali-bear]

Okay thanks. Is it not a 22mm spanner for the sensors?

And do I really need new rings?

 

[seahorse]

22mm (or 7/8 AF) it is. You might get away with re-using the gaskets but I would fit new just to be sure. Lambdas shouldn't be that tight. Take them off with the pipes still in place, slip a ring spanner over the hex after unplugging the connector and give the spanner a tap with a hide mallet. That's all I needed.

 

[Bendy toy]

I used a 22mm ring spanner because its not possible to get a socket over the sensor - and how would I avoid the sensor lead. Loosen it while still on the bike - normal RH thread. I used a rubber mallet to hit the spanner end. It loosened suddenly so better than bashed fingers. The electrical connectors are clipped under the cylinders. I damaged one retainer then used a torch & mirror to unclip the other one.

If fitting Remus headers fit the sensors first joint the electrical connector then clip to the retainer. The leads are just long enough.

I probably should have, but did not fit new gaskets & have had no leaks.

 

[Yonkyo]

And do I really need new rings?

I've swapped headers on my GS's many times, and never used new gaskets/rings, without any problems.

 

[Nick dj]

Heat

I've swapped headers on my GS's many times, and never used new gaskets/rings, without any problems.

Me too.


Spray well with WD40 let it soak in overnight(if possible)

If they are still tight, run the engine and try when hot metal expands and the threaded hole should expand slightly more being larger. if you have a heat paint striper warm the exhaust round the sensor and try before the heat transfers to the sensors

Refit with copperslip, this stops the electrolytic corrosion between the two different metals.

Hope this helps

Nick

 

[fizzer]

get a long decent 22mm ring spanner ,get angle grinder and take about 5mm out of the ring,slide it over the wire down to the lambda head and slacken ,if your temple starts to thob its to tight,doing when the bike is right up to temp may help slacken it .
on the other hand if you know anyone who works in the car repair trade they will have the corect cut out socket half inch drive to do it .
but the ring spanner with a 5mm cut out has always worked fine for me.
cheers

 

[Bendy toy]

The BMW O2 sensors have the amazing innovation of an electrical connector.
It even allows the sensor to be turned without twisting up the wires!!!

No need whatsoever for a chopped ring spanner.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

The BMW O2 sensors have the amazing innovation of an electrical connector.
It even allows the sensor to be turned without twisting up the wires!!!

No need whatsoever for a chopped ring spanner.

Spot on.....unclip the lambda sensors at the connector, take the headers off, 22mm ring spanner and a bit of sweat to remove them and fit to new headers. Why the hell would you butcher a spanner when it takes 30 seconds to unclip the sensors

I've changed loads of headers and I always use new header gaskets. They probably don't need them to be honest but they are technically a one use item and a few quid isn't going to break the bank. Just remember to torque the header bolts up correctly

 

[fizzer]

Spot on.....unclip the lambda sensors at the connector, take the headers off, 22mm ring spanner and a bit of sweat to remove them and fit to new headers. Why the hell would you butcher a spanner when it takes 30 seconds to unclip the sensors

I've changed loads of headers and I always use new header gaskets. They probably don't need them to be honest but they are technically a one use item and a few quid isn't going to break the bank. Just remember to torque the header bolts up correctly

yes off course ,if the multi plug on the end is small enough to go through the 22mm ring then yes thats a go,but the car ones that i have changed have all had a large muti plug on the end of the wires ,and the only way to loosen the sensor is to chop a bit out of the ring spanner,or of course use the corect socket with the cut out .

 

[seahorse]

The connector does go through a ring spanner no problem. This job is about as simple as it could get.