A problem getting the mufflers off.

[camos]

The collector needs welding but I can't get a socket on the muffler clamp bolt. Not sure exactly what size it is and can't see what the problem is. It does not look like there is enough room to get in to cut the bolt but knowing the correct socket size might be helpful.

 

Help!!

[dingy]

12mm I believe.

 

Gary

[camos]

I tried 12 mm but it seems to be too big. Actually tried 11 mm too. Just occurred to me that I did not think to try fitting an SAE socket. Think I'll go out and try every socket in my toolbox.

 

Thanks for the response Gary.

This is so frustrating that I'm currently thinking dynamite might be the best long term solution.

[dingy]

I tried 12 mm but it seems to be too big. Actually tried 11 mm too. Just occurred to me that I did not think to try fitting an SAE socket. Think I'll go out and try every socket in my toolbox.

 

Thanks for the response Gary.

This is so frustrating that I'm currently thinking dynamite might be the best long term solution.

 

If you have a 6 point socket it may grab the head of the bolt.

 

Shouldn't be an SAE, but anything could have been done in the past.

 

Gary

[Marcarl]

I believe it's a 13m. Had the same problem, couldn't get anything to fit, but it is tight in there. Now this is not saying somebody didn't change the bolt, it should be brass, and when you go to remove it, take it right out and remove the clamp completely,, make removing the muffler a whole lot easier.

[Venturous Randy]

I seem to think it is a 10mm on my 83.

RandyA

[camos]

Well, it wasn't SAE but that was just a desperation move anyway. Turns out it was probably a 12 mm with rounded corners. Not brass either. There was just enough room to get about one inch of a hacksaw blade on the clamp so I cut it off. This was on the right side, the left side had no room to get the blade on it but I remembered I had a Dremel and was able to use the cutoff attachment to cut that one. The bolt on the left side needed an Allan Key which was stripped out. Hopefully those clamps are still available from Yamaha.

 

So the mufflers are now off. The inside edges are very rusty looking but no holes that I could find. Got my fingers crossed on them still being serviceable. Had a look for the collector bolts but didn't find them. That was enough for me so I quit for the night, actually, until next weekend. Sure hope I can get the exhaust repaired before Venture West happens.

 

Even though I had to cut off the clamps the suggestions were very much appreciated. As you are all aware, moral support is invaluable.

 

Thank you all.