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Muffler slipping

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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 06:55 PM
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Default Muffler slipping
So I got this new exhaust installed in Sturgis. They used my stock clamps on install saying they are better than what came with the exhaust. The other day I noticed the left muffler has slipped backward. Yet when I tried to move it forward it wouldn't budge. I loosened the clamp and repositioned the muffler. Re-tightened the clamp as tight as it would go. I checked again today and it has moved back about 1/8 inch,
I know Harley says to replace clamps when changing exhaust. Just curious if anyone knows another trick. Ive checked for exhaust leak at this connection and there does not appear to be one, But if the muffler is slipping I have to believe there is a leak there
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 07:05 PM
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Never had much luck reusing torca clamps. Buy a couple of new ones and torque them evenly. I usually do about 40lbs.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 07:05 PM
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The stock clamps are actually very good. Get a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and tighten it down until you can't tighten it anymore.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 07:09 PM
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Nope don't over torque the muffler clamps!
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 07:09 PM
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Originally Posted by BAKnBLK2010
The stock clamps are actually very good. Get a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and tighten it down until you can't tighten it anymore.
Did that. Guess I will go get a new one
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 07:11 PM
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So tighten it until you can't anymore after you tightened it as tight as you could :-)

Buy new ones...
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by BAKnBLK2010
Get a 1/2 inch drive ratchet and tighten it down until you can't tighten it anymore.
NO!

this is not a "bigger hammer fix"



get new clamps.

torque to about 28 ft lbs.

I find that if I torque to the lower end of the range, I can sometimes get 2 or 3 uses out of the torca clamps.

The clamps deform when torqued, If you crank on the clamps, you'll deform ( "egg") the mufflers and header pipes

mike
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 08:44 PM
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Tighter is definitely NOT better when it comes to the muffler straps ( clamps ) ... There is a torque factor ( around 30 ft pounds, I believe ) ... Be sure the mufflers are properly seated on the header pipes and positioned so that the hanger is flat in the mounting bracket and it should do the trick
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 08:56 PM
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Took the old one off and found it was no longer round a bit egg shaped. Put the new one on and torqued to spec 38-43 ft lbs per service manual. Done
 
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Old Sep 6, 2013 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by SOCALHD
Took the old one off and found it was no longer round a bit egg shaped. Put the new one on and torqued to spec 38-43 ft lbs per service manual. Done
A service manual and new replacement parts can't be beat.
 
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