How do I replace the manifold gasket on my 2000 heritage

First, remove the complete air filter assembly, Then, remove the fuel tanks. Remove the carburetor. With all this off, you can remove the intake manifold and replace the gaskets.

To remove the tanks, first remove the seat and the dash cover. With this off, you can get to the bolts that hold the tanks on. There are two bolts at the front and one at the rear of each tank. The tanks are connected by a fuel line at the bottom and a vent line at the top. You'll have to drain the fuel from the tanks but you won't be able to get it all out. When you take the "fuel crossover line" loose at the bottom of the tanks, gasoline will go everywhere.

To get the carb off, loosen the two cables and disconnect them from the carb. Disconnect the vacuum line for the VOES and the petcock from the back of the carb. Loosen the nut that holds the enricher cable to the bracket on the left side of the bike. The enricher cable stays with the carb. Pull the carb out of the intake manifold.

Now, remove the two bolts from each head that holds the intake on and it will come off.

To reinstall the intake simply reverse the procedure. However there are a few things to watch for. The intake flanges that bolt to the heads are marked "F" front and "R" rear. Do not mix them up. The beveled side goes towards the head and the gasket goes on the intake to match the bevel.

When you put the intake back on, leave it loose because it must be lined up. With the intake loosely bolted to the heads, stick the carb back into the intake manifold and bolt the air filter backing plate back up using the three screws for the carb and the two large bolts that screw into the heads. This aligns the intake manifold with the rest of the induction system. Failure to properly align all the induction components could result in a vacuum leak even with the new gaskets. If you have to push the carb in any direction to get it to bolt up with the air filter, something is wrong. Once you get everything aligned, tighten the four bolts that hold the intake to the heads.

Before starting the engine, make certain that the throttle cables are operating the carb correctly. You don't want to start the engine with the throttle wide open. Lift the slide and verify that the throttle plate is closed in the carb. When you open the throttle wide open and let go of the throttle grip, the carb should "snap" shut. If it doesn't, you've got something wrong. Make sure the throttle works properly. Failure to do so can cause serious injury or death.

Good Luck
Steve