I recently purchased a 2012 FLHX (street glide). I removed the stock mufflers and put on a set of fishtail slip ons. I reused the original muffler clamps (brand new bike with 50 miles on it) and torqued them according to spec 45 -60 FT-LBs. Started the bike (cold) and noticed moisture coming out the tail pipes...I understand this is normal, just like cars/trucks. However, I noticed on the floor on both sides of the bike, small droplets of water, a "mini puddle" about the size of a 50 cent piece directly under both muffler clamps. I already had the clamps at max torque...so....right now I have them a 75 ft-lbs and it's still doing it. This is only on cold starts when the bike has been sitting over night. Any suggestions?????

 

I've never had a bike that didn't lose moisture at the clamps. I believe that's totally fine.

 

Shouldn't see any moisture/soot @ clamps...when you installed the new pipes - did you slide them "over" the slot far enough & seal with HT silicone (i.e. liquid copper). For one - these clamps are also "crush" type & even though new they will compress when re-used. Also, where did you get that pipe/clamp torque value (45-60 ft/lb)??? Most pipes are in the 38-43 ft/lb so you've probably squeezed the seam so far it's bent & leaking...you might have to remove them & get the pipe/tube expanded to same size as pre-install...

 

I just went thru this very same thing. If you read the entire muffler section in the manual. It states that the exhaust clamps are a one time use only part. You will need new ones to get a proper seal. At the dealer they will run you $17.99 for two. The rec torqe is 40 to 60 lbs.

 

Remove the mufflers/clamps. Run a small bead of high temp copper silicone, either in the inlet to the muffler or at the tip of the head pipe, as suggested above. Reassemble.

Let the silicone cure for a bit. A day would be optimal.

That should solve the water seepage problem.

 

yup, torca clamps are "one-use" the number of miles doesn't matter, it's the amount of force used on install and how far they deformed.

When you install new clamps, go as loose as you can with good seal ( lower end of the torque range which is 38~43 ft lbs), then the next time the clamps may be re-used. I get 2 or 3 uses out of them, and always have some in stock, just like oil drain o rings, derby and primary gaskets.

Mike

 

I got the torque value from my manual 45-60 ft/lb. I started on the low end and worked my way up...I will pick up new clamps from the dealer.

 

in fact...all of the HD muffler install pdf's I've seen on the net have the torque values at 45-60 ftlbs.

 

not saying there could be more values, but of all the ones I've seen, it's been 45-60ftlbs.

 

There is nothing about that clamp or the design of the slip on fitting that would make it water-tight. Bottom line: do not worry!!