Clamps for stainless exhaust

[tinweevil]

I'm looking for stainless clamps to go with a stainless exhaust and not finding the standard style anywhere. Has anyone tried band type exhaust clamps on a Triumph?

Loads of places are offering Mikalor specifically for exhausts.


Then there's this style


I don't have any experience of modern exhausts to know if the joints are more snug these days. I really could do with finding the old U bolt style as one is needed for the gearbox support.

[JPB]

Not sure about the suitability of those on stainless. I find that it's better to use M10, instead of the usual, M8 U bolts to prevent its wriggling about even when assembled with lots of suitable paste, so I've a sneaking suspicion that a band that's no thicker than the walls of the tubing you're trying to nip may not be satisfactory, other than for hanging brackets.

[Si]

never had a problem with the Mikalor type on my Dolly and Scimi stainless exhausts, but note Mikalor come in two grades, I can't remember the names but the cheaper one comes with a steel bolt, the more expensive grade (now the one I use) comes with a stainless bolt, but as for any stainless parts use loads of copper slip on the threads to stop it seizing. Hope that helps.
cheers

[80Sprint]

I agree with John. Those don't look up to the job to me for a stainless system. I found the walls quick thick on mine and the gaps were touch too big when it was installed so i needed a good tight clamp which is why i stuck to the usual clamps. I used some that look as though they have some sort of coating and they are not going rusty yet.

[tinweevil]

One vote for Mikalor and two against, three including myself. Keep 'em coming. Thanks for the tip on the bolts Si, I'll get the better grade if I go that route.

Rather embarrassingly I was looking for the wrong clamps yesterday, when I said 'standard' I was thinking of U clamps. Below is what I should be using.

I've even two of the three needed in stock which fortunately were in the same bag as the rubber hangers. I can use stainless bolts with these so that solves most of the problem of U clamps. Stagonset seem to have gone tits-up which is a bit of a pain. These folk have the correct length (2 3/4"), Namrick and most others only do half inch increments.

Shiney shiney


GEX are still going strong but the guarantee is still useless though because their terms require that you return the registration card. I got the zorst 2nd hand so don't have that. No matter, I plan to well and truly void the warranty on the downpipe by fitting a boss for a lambda probe.

[tinweevil]

Full of confidence I went into Unipart with one of those clamps to get the 3rd one needed, a GEX7509. Not found, not listed, no hope. Bugger.

Oh and 1Kg of 0.8mm stainless mig wire = unexpectedly large hole in wallet. Ho hum.

[Carl]

Those band type clamps are just the job and I recommend them to everyone. I've used them to fit the SS sports exhausts to both the Sprint and Spitfire. They are more than up to the job of securing your exhaust and don't kink the pipe making disassembly really easy (especially important on the Spit where you have to remove the exhaust to get at the prop). A search will show up a range of suppliers, many of whom are very expensive (£7 - £10 each). Try any of the decent motor bike suppliers. I got my last lot from M&P for about £4 each. I wouldn't use anything else.

[DF]

Those band type clamps are just the job and I recommend them to everyone. I've used them to fit the SS sports exhausts to both the Sprint and Spitfire. They are more than up to the job of securing your exhaust and don't kink the pipe making disassembly really easy (especially important on the Spit where you have to remove the exhaust to get at the prop). A search will show up a range of suppliers, many of whom are very expensive (£7 - £10 each). Try any of the decent motor bike suppliers. I got my last lot from M&P for about £4 each. I wouldn't use anything else.

Ditto I use them on everything.

[cliftyhanger]

I too have used the mikalor clamps. Far superior to the normal ones. Seemed to grip better, I used a u clamp in one position, and unless I wanted to massively distort the pipe it just wouldn't hold. Mikalor, job done with no distortion.
Ebay turns up plenty of suppliers at good prices. Think I paid £5 for 2.
Go on, try them. You won't look back.
And looking at the above, it seems people who have actually used them say yes, and the no's are from people who don't like the look of them
No offence etc

[tinweevil]

Thank you everyone for your input, I shall give the Mikalor a go for the two joint fixings. The third fixing needs to be the correct D clamp as the bolt passes through the gearbox bracket. Previously there was a U bolt in this position which never was particularly satisfactory, hopefully the correct item will align properly.

[tinweevil]

Ordered two yesterday morning from Westfield Fasteners who I think are a reincarnation of Stagonset, very similar web site and location. Immediate confirmation email, another later in the day confirming posting and they arrived this morning. Perfect service IMO. Shame their stock of UNF bolts isn't at all large yet but if they follow the Stagonset route it'll grow steadily.

Also arrived today is my disposable gas regulator, ordered a less impressive week ago so I can crack on with the downpipe this weekend. Wish me luck. Any recommendations for a good value (as opposed to simply cheap) universal O2 sensor? Something common I can pick up from Unipart preferred.

[cliftyhanger]

What sort of o2 sensor? is it for a wideband setup?

I think they are all pretty universal, just the plugs that differ . Bosch seem a favorite,
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LSU-4-0-AIR-FUEL- ... 20b87fce9a
seems good value

[tinweevil]

Oops yes, I meant wideband not universal Thanks for the suggestion, when it comes to stuff like this I'm still way down the bottom of the learning curve.