Topic: Painting headers and swapping muffler on cb400, what do I need?

[matt400f]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here and this is my first motorcycle. I have plenty of experience working on car engines - this weekend will be my first try at working on a bike. I need to replace the muffler, and while I'm doing that  I'm going to spray the headers with some high-temp black paint. What Should I have on hand.

appropriate tools, sand paper, exhaust sealer, and gaskets? Are the exhaust gaskets available at most parts stores?

Any tips are appreciated, and thanks!

-Matt

[matt400f]

I'm assuming this is the gasket set I need:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-CB350-F-CB400F-XR100-XR80-XR75-EXHAUST-GASKET-SET_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQitemZ280253473394

Might this be available at my local autozone?

[JeyLux]

Might this be available at my local autozone?

no.

you will probably need to order them.

my experience with painting the heaters, is the first top bend down, will burn the paint off... high temp included...

[troppo]

G`day mate
If your going to paint then i`m guessing they are a little rough to begin with..
Get a wire cup brush to fit your grinder and give then a good hit with that first up, before you paint them wipe them down with a wax and grease remover then spray them.
What colour are you doing them?

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Spray high temp paint seems to hold up better than the brush type.  If it burns off at the header bend point you are running lean or rich IMO.  I only see 375-425 degrees F at that point when I tune with my handy IR thermometer thingy.  If the pipes won't hold paint and are dented up, header wrap will cover a host of evils and still provide functional pipes.  It is available on eBay.  The stainless tye straps are the bees knees for holding it in place. 

On the muffler, you may need to make round spacers with slots in them to get a good seal and clamping pressure at the mounting joint.  get the proper thickness and diameter needed and cut a relief slot in them with a muffler cut-off tool.  If your diameter change is severe, muffler shops can custom expand tubing to make an adaptor. 

[bozo4onion]

IMO you will need VHT (very high temp) ceramic paint for the headers. You can use HT for the pipe though. Good luck and post pics. when you're done.

[matt400f]

I bought a grinder add on for my drill, as well as the very-high-temp black, ceramic spray paint. Might do it Saturday morning, and will post pics! Does anyone know the diameter size to buy for a universal muffler (1 3/4?)

Thanks!