Separating Muffler from Header Pipe
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
This occurs with the clamp has been over tightened. The claps will put indention's in the header making it very difficult to remove.
Some people will reuse the clamps which is not a good idea. Sometimes they will not stay tight so they tighten the clamps too much. They only have to be snug, like the header nuts are on the heads.
The best way I have found is to keep the header on the bike for support or use a vice, which I do not do. It can cause some damage. I have a bar I made that bolts to the muffler mount. I use the bar to move the muffler in different directions until it comes of, some can be a real pain. Using antiseize is a good idea.
Some people will reuse the clamps which is not a good idea. Sometimes they will not stay tight so they tighten the clamps too much. They only have to be snug, like the header nuts are on the heads.
The best way I have found is to keep the header on the bike for support or use a vice, which I do not do. It can cause some damage. I have a bar I made that bolts to the muffler mount. I use the bar to move the muffler in different directions until it comes of, some can be a real pain. Using antiseize is a good idea.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 8
From: virginia
As someone suggested bolt a bar to the muffler bracket leaving a couple of inches hanging over the end of the bracket and drive the bar off with a hammer, to bad it isnt still on the bike as that would hold it in place while you drive it off this is what has worked for me!!! Good luck!!
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,014
Likes: 739
From: Northern California
Well, I am going to leave the exhaust in one piece as I just don't want t break anything! I tried heat, strap wrenches, penetrating oil, and some tapping around the flange with a hammer and flat tip screwdriver.
I imagine with another person holding on to one end and me to the other we could wiggle it off with a 3rd person applying heat to the header pipe.
I just don't want to turn the exhaust system into scrap metal!
Thanks to all for your advice and support!
I imagine with another person holding on to one end and me to the other we could wiggle it off with a 3rd person applying heat to the header pipe.
I just don't want to turn the exhaust system into scrap metal!
Thanks to all for your advice and support!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,014
Likes: 739
From: Northern California
After attempting to ship the exhaust in one piece I found the price to be ridiculous ($100+)! You get dinged for the box size. The person I sold the exhaust to told me to wrap the muffler (1/8"+) I used duct tape. Put it in a vise that has the jaws used to hold pipe (I just happened to have that vise) and turn the header pipe back and forth. Well, that worked and the pipes separated!
Mailed the exhaust in 2 pieces for $30 USPS!
Mailed the exhaust in 2 pieces for $30 USPS!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 1
After attempting to ship the exhaust in one piece I found the price to be ridiculous ($100+)! You get dinged for the box size. The person I sold the exhaust to told me to wrap the muffler (1/8"+) I used duct tape. Put it in a vise that has the jaws used to hold pipe (I just happened to have that vise) and turn the header pipe back and forth. Well, that worked and the pipes separated!
Mailed the exhaust in 2 pieces for $30 USPS!
Mailed the exhaust in 2 pieces for $30 USPS!