CalVin head pipe collars

[motogoro]

so, I'll share this PM just because I'm avoiding going out to the garage this morning

<snip>

Hey Mr Mechanic, while I wait for penetrating oil to seep into the O-two sensor I have a few stupid questions.

1. Why the hell are the head pipe collars so tight on the studs?  are the studs bent? are the holes not the correct center distance apart?

2.  why can't I just find a reliable mechanic within 100 miles?  I'm just a lazy old guy with limited experience.  "too much monkey business"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJVxxLNMQVU&list=RDoJVxxLNMQVU&start_radio=1

<snip>

[Tkelly]

Do not mess with the too tight head pipe collars unless you really need to.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

More likely than bent studs are bent collars.

[guzzisteve]

Nothing is bent, they fit tight. Like they drilled holes in collar too close to each other making it tight on studs. Been like this on Cali's even back to 2000
Seems to be after the finned type and only on the solid cast type.  I use a punch on the back right next to stud back & forth next to the other stud.

Ya know sometimes you have to use a big Fing hammer on exhaust.

[motogoro]

Ordered a new "Lamda sensor" for the H-pipe replacing the OEM crossover.  Gave up trying to save the original sensor.

Plan to Dremel out the bolt holes in the flanges and wire wheel the crusty studs. 

Still looking for that local mechanic.   

[motogoro]

The new wrinkle.  The head pipes are 1100 Cal Stone parts with the sensor ports and no "half cone" split collars.  Not the "exhaust pipes" with split collars in the CalVin spare parts catalog.     Gotta love Guzzi.  Some things never seem to change.  Of course, I'm at least the third owner so who knows? 

[John A]

More likely than bent studs are bent collars.

Bent collars are common. Really common on the flat steel ones used on Bub headpipes but the aluminum ones will take a set.