Exhaust keeps coming loose

slonomo

My exhaust keeps coming loose. Anyone else have this problem? One of the issues I've noticed here is the 13mm socket won't fit on, not enough clearance. Should I be looking for smaller size nuts? Or should I use spacers to get the nuts farther out? Maybe it's not torquing down good enough because I can't keep the socket on there? Maybe I'll switch to allen cap screws....

Just curious if anyone else has had this problem.

BGW

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aladd6

Which header are you using. I got the one from Geoff, , I had this issue only on one side. I shaved a little metal off the header till I was able to get a smaller socket on it. Was able to tighten more, We'll see if that works long term. I also had to use a couple of washers as spacers. Tried looking for smaller nuts but had not luck.

pachanga90

Not really the best,but when we raced Karts,we would heat the header and put a very small dimple where the bolt/nut was interfering.If you want to run Loc-Nuts,get the "Stover" nuts also called "Crush-Nuts".They are pinched at the top,they don't damage the thread,and they don't come loose.Hope this helps.

KillerCC

I'm having the same problem with Geoff's header, whichnive just been using to tune it right now. Im gonna need a custom exhaust so I wont be using it anyway. But I was considering using allen bolts also.

Streetbu

Made my own exhaust, no issues with mine. I'm using the factory locknuts that use to retain the cast iron pipe to the muffler. Did have use a couple of washers but only because the pipe is so close to the studs then with a weld bead around it the nut wouldnt sit flush.

slonomo

Yes, it's actually the EZGO pipe/muffler, since that's all he had at the time, nothing for my cart. But it fits fine, sounds fine, just after about 1.5 hrs run time it gets loose. There wasn't enough room for a washer with the current studs, the washers would hit the weld bead on the flange and sit crooked, wouldn't allow the nut to tighten evenly. So I just installed the nuts right to the flange, and of course the flat side of the nuts are all boogered up now, need replaced. The studs are all marred up as well. So, kind of at a point where I need new studs/bolts of some sort.

I've read of people using red loctite, but won't that just burn off? I don't think any threadlocker is going to do it.

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slonomo

Was thinking something like these?

I've seen where some people drill the head out and retap it for 3/8 x 16 so it's stronger and more bolts are available.

Any opinions?

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Streetbu

First I'd use the washers even if they don't sit flush. Second red loctite wont work, you need high temp loctite. Third, make a support brace for the muffler. With all that weight hanging completely off those two bolts and vibrating from the single cylinder it's going to work it's way loose.

KillerCC

Bolt #2, support hanger/bracket and...high temp loctite. Use it all the time.

slonomo

Thanks guys. I guess that's what I meant "high temp loctite", thought the red was the high temp? It says 500 degrees in the specs....is there something better? This one is high strength, but I'd prob go with medium strength. And is 500 degrees even good enough for the exhaust studs?

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