Exhaust header tightening

[slodog]

What's the best way to tighten the header on a 2009 YZ450F? Neither the bolt nor nut allow enough clearance to tighten with a standard socket and allen socket using a 3/8" drive and torque wrench.?

[grayracer513]

I have no idea why you would need to use a torque wrench on the header. I use a 6mm T handle and a 12mm combination wrench to tighten mine. I first snug both fasteners while watching the flange plate to see that it sits flat, square with the face of the port, then I turn down the Allen 1/3-1/2 turn. After that, I crank down the hex nut until the flange squares up with the ring on the header. When using a new OEM gasket, you may need to tighten it a bit more to allow for the additional crush, but in either case, tightening the Allen first stresses the threads in the head less.

[slodog]

Thanks, that's what I ended up doing.