Topic: Exhaust flange removal without removing pipes. Is it possible?

[914eener]

I want to replace the rusted exhaust flanges on the new to me 72 CB750.  I’m hoping to be able to remove the flange bolt and spread the old flanges wide enough to be able to slide them over the pipes without having to remove the pipes.  Can the new flanges be spread enough to get them over the pipes without removing them?

[evinrude7]

can't see that happening without damaging the new ones.  maybe someone has done it. 

[70CB750]

I would be afraid that after all that effort - if you, indeed, are able to replace those flanges - there would be an exhaust leak.  You should bite the bullet and do it right with new exhaust rings/gaskets.

[madmtnmotors]

can't see that happening without damaging the new ones.

I agree.

I want to replace the rusted exhaust flanges on the new to me 72 CB750.  I’m hoping to be able to remove the flange bolt and spread the old flanges wide enough to be able to slide them over the pipes without having to remove the pipes.  Can the new flanges be spread enough to get them over the pipes without removing them?

I think he's talking about the finned clamps, not the spigots.

Once you loosen the clamps there's only a couple more bolts to remove the pipes. Slide the pipes off and slip new clamps on.

EZPZ

[914eener]

Yes I’m talking about the finned clamps.

[evinrude7]

Yes I’m talking about the finned clamps.

  pull off the exhaust to change those. 

[newday777]

Yes I’m talking about the finned clamps.

No. You will break them trying to spread them that wide. They are cast metal.
BTW you can clean them up nice and shiny using a wire wheel.

[Progas]

You can make them look like new if you vapor blast them!! And yes, you can not remove them with out taking off the pipes. Taking the pipes off can be a job in it self!!

[914eener]

Yea...taking the pipes off is what I was hoping to avoid.  Oh well...

[754]

You can make them look like new if you vapor blast them!! And yes, you can not remove them with out taking off the pipes. Taking the pipes off can be a job in it self!!

If they had rust, it will come back..

[FourUsTry]

As an experiment I did a high-temp clear coat on my exhaust flanges after cleaning them up and so far it is keeping the rust from returning and it hasn't yellowed or failed. I was pleasantly surprised. I expect it will need re-doing every year or two (or until I get stainless ones).

[914eener]

Thanks all for the replies.  Looks like I’ll be dropping the pipes soon for the new finned flanges.

[newday777]

As an experiment I did a high-temp clear coat on my exhaust flanges after cleaning them up and so far it is keeping the rust from returning and it hasn't yellowed or failed. I was pleasantly surprised. I expect it will need re-doing every year or two (or until I get stainless ones).

Good idea of hi-temp clear. I might try that.