SuzukiSavage.com - How to tighten muffler bracket

Keith_T

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How to tighten muffler bracket
06/20/08 at 06:38:47

A few weeks ago I loosened my stock muffler and then re tightened it. Since then it has been backfiring when decelerating. I have read this is indicative of an exhaust leak. I can feel some exhaust leaking from where the muffler connects to the header pipe. The clamp can either be positioned at the very edge of the muffler or about 1/4 inch up the muffler. What is the right position? I have it in the 1/4 inch up position now and have it tightened as tight as I can. I'm afraid that if I go much tighter I will break the bolt. Any other tips to get the muffler to seal properly?

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Keith_T Senior Member Offline Posts: 289 Northern Illinois Gender:	Re: How to tighten muffler bracket Reply #1 - 06/20/08 at 06:55:37 I searched and found some tips that said to make sure the muffler is full on the head pipe and to put the clamp over the end of the muffler. I'll do that tonight. Any other tips? Is the crush gasket likely to be bad?
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T Mack 1 - FSO

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Re: How to tighten muffler bracket
Reply #2 - 06/20/08 at 10:50:13

My stock clamp was a bit rusted and seemed to bottom out.

Sooooo... I went to the hardware store ,with it in hand, and got a case hardned 8 bolt (plus a nut) almost the same size but with more threads. I had to drill out the threaded part of the clamp. Now I can toruqe it down with out fear of stripping the threads. If I break the bolt, all I have to do is run down to the store again....

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Engineers design things, Technicians make them work.
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30% of being mechanical is confidence/30% is knowing to go slow when needed/30% is looking repeatedly at what you have/10% is dumb luck Wink

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Rockin_John

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Re: How to tighten muffler bracket
Reply #3 - 06/20/08 at 13:03:40

Lots of folks swear the stock H-D clamps are a lot stronger. I haven't had a lot of luck getting any clamp to seal really good. Best I've done with clamps is old automotive U-bolt muffler clamps. In one case I gave up and resorted to welding the exhaust into a one-piece. Tig welded, absolutely positively will not leak. Of course all of these exhaust systems are not the stock muffler. You'd think you could get that one back on without it leaking... Wink

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cornfuzed Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 269 grinnin from coast to coast Gender:	Re: How to tighten muffler bracket Reply #4 - 06/27/08 at 08:48:19 Any idea as to how to remove the muffler gasket? Tryin to install a hd muffler but its getting the best of me. Doesnt slide all the way up. Helllp
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Staplebox

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Re: How to tighten muffler bracket
Reply #5 - 06/27/08 at 16:52:26

I just put a Dyna take-off on my 95. The Dyna just doesn't slide up all the way to the shoulder of the header pipe - or at least I couldn't get it up there. It leaked the first time I tried. I added some aluminum gasket between the Dyna and pipe and clamped it down with the HD clamp that came with it. Second time was a charm, no leaks that I can find. Just keep at it.

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cornfuzed

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Re: How to tighten muffler bracket
Reply #6 - 06/27/08 at 22:03:04

Staplebox wrote on 06/27/08 at 16:52:26:

I just put a Dyna take-off on my 95. The Dyna just doesn't slide up all the way to the shoulder of the header pipe - or at least I couldn't get it up there. It leaked the first time I tried. I added some aluminum gasket between the Dyna and pipe and clamped it down with the HD clamp that came with it. Second time was a charm, no leaks that I can find. Just keep at it.

Great news ok thank you... thats where is was sooo confused because the instructions said something about some copper to take off if it doesnt slide up.... I was thinking to the shoulder.... WOOOO! Ill be riding again tomorrow!!!
Wink

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cornfuzed Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 269 grinnin from coast to coast Gender:	Re: How to tighten muffler bracket Reply #7 - 06/28/08 at 00:04:30 Ok! yes it is 3am here but i have my exhaust hooked up! ... man .... i wish i could slip it out an take a drive.. just to see ya know... if all is ok... but i have to be at work at 1300 tomorrow... oh well... a little shuteye ... alot of smiles tomorow
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cornfuzed Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 269 grinnin from coast to coast Gender:	Re: How to tighten muffler bracket Reply #8 - 06/28/08 at 08:17:14 so...wrapped 2 strips of labatt aluminum over the header pipe. no exhaust leak...OH sounds wonderful and NO backfires anymore...just some blurple blurple pooo bop sounds ..... WOOO! This bike has come to life baby!!!! 150 main - KN drop in - Dyna - No white spacer - Lots of JOY
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Cory Full Member Offline Ride Hard Or Stay Home Posts: 124 OHIO Gender:	Re: How to tighten muffler bracket Reply #9 - 06/28/08 at 15:19:49 i would also try some high temp gasket maker from autozone that is what i used and it sealed very nicely .
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