Reuse muffler Clamps?

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Apr 20, 2010 | 04:12 PM

FirNaTine

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From: Iowa

Reuse muffler Clamps?

Ordered my new Jackpots for my 2010 Road King, and they will be here tomorrow. It has 500 miles on it can I reuse the muffler clamps? Also is this an easy install?

Thanks

Apr 20, 2010 | 04:26 PM

Harley_RN

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From: Metropolis

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirNaTine

Ordered my new Jackpots for my 2010 Road King, and they will be here tomorrow. It has 500 miles on it can I reuse the muffler clamps? Also is this an easy install?

Thanks

Had mine on in about 45 mins. If they are like the ones for my Ultra, pay attention to which side is the one with the smaller opening as per the instructions. My bike only had 900 miles on it when I installed my pair and I used brand new clamps. Others will tell you that you don't have to... but they only cost $8/each. Do a search on this and you'll hear all kinds of stories of people installing slip ons that had exhaust leaks and/or mufflers falling off because they re-used their clamps. It's a crush type clamp designed to be used once. Sure, you can reuse it but it won't have that same "bite" as the first use. You'll also read countless stories of people that reused their clamps several times with no problems. It's up to you but for the cost of what you just spent on your bike and the new mufflers.... it's cheap insurance.

Last edited by Harley_RN; Jan 7, 2011 at 07:33 PM. Reason: content

Apr 20, 2010 | 04:35 PM

Ronp42

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From: Here

I recently installed a set of Jackpot's on my 08 UC. I reused the old clamps, they were still good. I put a little antiseize on the worm screw area. worked fine and mines two years old. Buying new clamps for your scoot would be a waste of money. Like the other poster said, be sure and pay attention to get the mufflers on right. Fuelmoto marks them better now that some had problems. You'll love the sound and quality of the Jackpots.

Apr 20, 2010 | 04:49 PM

pettifogger1

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Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 343

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From: Phoenix, Arizona

I'm not so sure it is a waste of money. I put some new mufflers on my FLHT with 1100 miles on it. Tightened the old clamps to spec and the mufflers slid backwards. In fact when I got home after a short test run they were hanging loose on the header pipes with no tension on them. Started tightening a little more. Still moved. A few posters suggested 70 foot pounds. Tried that and they seem to have stabilized. However, the maximum recommended torque for a 3/8 x 16 SAE bolt is 44 foot pounds. Harley's maximum recommended torque for the clamp is 43 foot pounds, which is below the industry recommended maximum. The muffler clamp strap stretches and exceeding the maximum torque by 27 foot pounds on a high heat, high vibration, bolt doesn't seem like a good idea. I'm going to replace the clamps before I go on any long trips.

Apr 20, 2010 | 05:57 PM

DPete

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Central, Ca.

Had my muffs off 3 or 4 times never thought the clamps needed replacing, have 21K on the clock

Apr 20, 2010 | 06:05 PM

GzrGlide

Road Captain

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 549

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From: Wpg, Mb, Canada

For what you spent on the bike, why cheap out on the clamps? Before I put the FatCat on I had good and bad luck with the clamps ( had to take the left muffler off every tire change ). I finally had enough after seeing the muffler move, that I started buying new clamps every time. It's only a few bucks and saves extra work and gives me piece of mind. If the dealer's prices are too much, check exhaust shops. They're probably cheaper there.

And yes, I did re-torque them to spec every time.