Muffler clamp soot
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
Muffler clamp soot
Are these soot marks normal or is this leaking? The reflections make it kinda hard to see, but it is the junction of my headpipe to muffler. Soot mark extends longitudinally from the split on the muffler inlet and follows the shape of the edge of the heat shield. I didn't think I had an exhaust leak but this caught my eye when I took it off. Vance and Hines header and mufflers if it matters.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Best bet, get some new muffler clamps and retorque. While you have the clamps off, I'd clean both the header pipe and the muffler to ensure no buildup. I would not permatex them as it may make it very difficult to get them off in the future.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I'm betting the muffler isnt pushed far enough onto the other pipe. The compression slot is probably not completely covered by the pipe pushed into it. Replace clamp and make sure the pipe is shoved farther into the muffler.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Ohio
If it was me, I would slide the clamp more towards the pipe then re tighten. Worth a shot, only take a couple of mins and of course wipe the soot off and go for a spin, then re check for soot.
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Get a set of new HD torca clamps from the dealer (the ones V&H sends with their stuff are CRAP!) Then as others have said ensure the muffs are as far onto the head pipes as possible, and I'm sure you'll be soot free
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
Showed the pics to my mechanic and he said I should have the clamps positioned closer to the end of the muffler. He also said some high temp silicone won't hurt. He also said he reuses clamps sometimes. Not sure why there would be anything wrong with the clamp itself, but I suppose I could get a new one to be on the safe side.
