Exhaust Stud Removal & Centerstand Retention

Hey Team,

82 Seca owner here. Although all of the exhaust studs are unbroken, they are pretty badly corroded and a bit bent. I'm looking to replace them. I know these bad boys are the source of conjecture as to whether to replace them or not if they aren't already broken, but the last thing I want is to wait for them to break off in the head, one by one.

So, I've ordered some kroil and have the replacement studs. Here's my dumb question: how do I get them out? Just put a pair of pliers on them and ease them back and forth? I'll obviously soak the studs 24 hours in advance, but besides that, any technique I should be employing?

Also - I put the mac 4 - 1 exhaust on (the PO had a similar style exhaust on it though it was rusted to hell). The mac touted centerstand retention, so I ordered a used center stand, glad to have it before putting the bike away for winter. Unfortunately, its hitting the megaphone when put up. Anyone have a work around or some insight?

Thanks,
JDW

 

Are you missing a rubber bumper?

 

I'm not sure center stand retention really means it has the bumper.......

For the studs you put a pair of nuts on the end and tighten them against each other. Then you use a wrench and unscrew the stud.

 

" they are pretty badly corroded and a bit bent"
you have a better chance of winning the Lotto than getting all 8 of those out. either use the originals until one breaks, then try to get them out. or find a machine shop to do it which is what's going to happen anyhow. the nuts only tighten to 7.2 ft/lbs so don't get carried away.

 

You want a stud extractor like one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Teng-Tools-Drive-Extractor-Service/dp/B00CYLV5YS

They've got a self tightening mechanism that works as you wind the bolt out. I did the ones on my XJ650 with it and they came out no problem. It also helps to get a bit of heat into the head around the stud using a heat gun. No need for blow torches / welding kit.

 

>I'm not sure center stand retention really means it has the bumper.......

but there are some exhausts that have a boss with a rubber bumper on it that the centerstand stops against when raised..................

 

I rigged something up as a center stand stop on the opposite side of the bike away from the megaphone. Not a XJ, but same idea should apply. I used the empty exhaust mounting point to attach my stop. The stop I used is part of flat screen TV wall mount. Already painted black and turned out to be the correct length. You can fab something out of aluminum if you can't find something to improvise with. You can see in the picture where the bracket hits the center stand.

 

I guess
I we thinking a 750, not 550.....I'll look at mine and compare.

 

I was thinking about replacing the exhaust studs myself, whacked a pair of vise grips on the centre(non thread part) and undid them...
Must have been lucky! Did gouge up the middle bit a tad.

I was wondering if these were mild steel or hardened slightly or full on high tensile that had been softened by the heating and cooling at the exhaust ports...??