Is it possiable to over tighten the exhaust clamp where it meets the CAT??

Could I have over tighten it and caused any damage like crushing the CAT outlet or anything, maybe I am paraniod??

Anyone know what the torque should be??

Thanks :smile:

 

After reviewing the service manual........several times.....the best I can come up with is what is stated in chapter 2 page 34........and I quote, "tighten the muffler clamp bolts securely". I would say 8-12ft lbs is a safe number. It is more important to be sure that the threads have some lubricant as they will be dry and at an angle. High temp anti seize would be my first choice.

 

Forgot, yes it can be over tightened. If you start to see the gasket pinch,crush or disfigure it is too tight.

 

Ok,
Thank you, tried torquing them to about 15lbs
Both sides of the clamp seem to be touching before that point & i was concerned the bolt(s) would snap
So I backed them off again

 

The bolts can, and will, snap off, but that's just because honda was cheap and used steel bolts on a stainless exhaust clamp (duh). One was broken already on my '03 before I went to remove the clamp the first time, and the other one snapped right off after half a turn backing it out. Luckily you can get a 2 1/8" u clamp for two bucks at your local parts peddler.

Having said that, I rode around with nothing but the seal holding the exhaust on for two days, and it didn't leak, so I would say just tighten it enough so that the thing won't rattle off, and check it every once in a while. Definitely doesn't need mondo tourque.

 

yeh sometimes you can over think stuff, I trust my feel sometimes over a torque wrench. Gota have a varied game, you know.

 

When reading this question I immediately thought "yes!"
Once clamps and other attachment hdwe. on the cat have been loosened they should never be retightened... rather, the cat should be removed and supplanted with suitable replacement plumbing and properly disposed of, ASAP! :nod: