| Author | Message | ||
     Rwcfrank |
I pant to swap out my muffler ina few days and need help tracking down the part numbers and parts Buell recommends for the muffler swap. I dont want to experience any header stud issues vibration or cracked headpipes so I plan to go by the book. All help is apreciated. | ||
| Rwven |
Do you have "the book"? Everything you need to know is in there. | ||
| Rwcfrank |
Rwen, yes I have the "book" I was looking for some sourcing options for the clamps that need to be replaced and opinions on whether replacing the clamps is a must do or should do. Thx | ||
| 7873jake |
Having contemplated the removal of my own muffler for paint (vs some other treatment), I recall a strong consensus that the straps *should* be replaced if one were to go this route. In my search through the archives and other more recent threads, IIRC, several spoke up that while they didn't necessarily feel that the rears were an absolute necessity for replacement, the fronts were too important to leave to chance because of the risk of damage to the headers, et al, should a strap fail, all concerns you expressed as well in the OP. Thats not to say that there haven't been people who have reused the straps and enjoyed no untoward outcomes but, for me, it was the old "false economy" logic that got me to order the new straps for the day I decide to do this. I don't have great luck all of the time and try to reduce my exposure to risk when I can...so I replace straps. Others may feel differently (and I haven't yet done what you are about to do so I have no first hand knowledge) but what I described above was the general consensus after some lengthy archive hunting. | ||
| Rwcfrank |
Sounds like solid advice Jake, thanks | ||
| Rwven |
In addition to the front strap the book also recommends replacing the clamp for the muffler to the header pipe. I reused mine with no ill effects so far...I did replace the front strap though. I ordered mine online through Chicago HD, but it was back ordered at the time (January this year)so it took a while (like April...)to get it. I reused the rear straps also, they look fine so far. (Message edited by rwven on August 19, 2011) | ||
| Teeps |
I have swapped the muffler off-on at least 6 times and have not replaced any clamps. When installing the muffler I apply antiseize to the header so it slips easily into the muffler. That, I think, is key to fitting the muffler without breaking front straps and header studs. Lifting the muffler into place with a jack is the other key to no problem installation of a stock muffler. The rest is covered in the service manual. | ||
| Griffmeister |
I just had to rotate my engine and you have to remove the muffler for that. Yes, "the book" says you must replace the front strap every time and I did that. I think they are more lax with the rear because there are two of them. I would recommend the muffler to header clamp only because mine was a PIA to loosen and tighten back up even with penetrating oil. Anything to make the job easier, ya know? | ||
| Xbimmer |
You can get the t-bolt clamps at hose and hydraulics supply stores, or big rig parts stores. 6.25" nominal size is what you want for the front IIRC, standard type for the front, take yours with you to compare. The rears are channel bridge type. $7 or so and I make sure they're made in USA. I've reused my clamps several times with no issues, and R&R by the book. Only clamp that's broken on me in 78K was a stocker that an HD tech reused when he dropped my muffler to replace my warranted fuel pump. He hacked a couple other things at the time so I guess he probably overtightened it. No I don't know why he dropped the muffler... http://www.bing.com/search?q=6.25%22+t-bolt+clamps &go=&qs=n&sk=&form=QBRE (Message edited by xbimmer on August 20, 2011) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Al Lighton also recommends replacing the front strap/clamp. He says if you HAVE to reuse it, be very careful to orient it exactly as it was before you removed it. He says re-used clamps will still occasionally fail without warning even when you take this precaution. |
