Topic: CB750 with Hooker Pipes -- trouble getting finned clamps tight

[Soulsk8r]

I had to take my pipes off to install a centerstand so I could replace my fork boots last week.  I finished my project and it's time for the pipes to go back on.

Is there a trick to it?  Numbers 2 and 4 went on without a problem.  Finned clamps on numbers 1 and 3 are both loose and I'm concerned I'll strip the nut if I keep trying to tighten.  Dang that number 3 is hard to reach.



Haynes recommends putting the finned clamps on the exhaust stubs first before fitting the pipe.  (figure 41.11)  Did that.   But had to use a screwdriver to get them off the pipe to do so.  Did I stretch them?

[seanbarney41]

yeah, I am having the same problem with some #$%*ty old pipes I'm running on one of my bikes until I can get some better ones...I have already stripped two nuts on #4 and it's still leaking.  Everybody busts on MAC's quality, but there style of mounting is much better imo.

[DJ_AX]

Had the same problem. Used some carefully cut Red Bull cans to fit some shims right around the pipes under the clamps... Works great.... still working after many miles.

[Soulsk8r]

Great tip thanks.  Now to go find some Red Bull. 

[MRieck]

You can buy bulk shim stock.

[Soulsk8r]

Didn't need to.  It turns out I made a rookie error.  I didn't realize that there is a "right" and a "left" clamp; I didn't know one side of the finned clamp is threaded and the other is not.  So I had them on backwards.  I just put the bolts in from the other side of the clamp and now everything works great.

Just went for my first ride on Bea for 10 or so days.  Niiiiiiice. 

[DJ_AX]

Ha ha ... oh well.. so now ya know!

[Stev-o]

Bought some Hookers for my K5 and am having a hell of a time fitting them.'

Anyone have some more pics?

[754]

4-2 ? ..4-1 should go on easy..
 The shims will help on the clamps as discussed.., in the previous posts.

[Stev-o]

 

4-2 ? ..4-1 should go on easy..
 The shims will help on the clamps as discussed.., in the previous posts.

No issue with the fin clamps, trouble getting the head pipes in the proper location to slip the muffler on. 

Do all Hookers have #2&3 cross?

[754]

Does it look like this Hookeroncrack?

[Stev-o]

No....Four into two

[754]

First post shows them crossing.

[Stev-o]

First post shows them crossing.

Yes, found this thread while searching for install directions.  Do all 4-2 Hookers cross?

[754]

I would thinks so, i doubt they made 2 styles...except for the 750 they had a drag header.. Only ever saw one..

[Stev-o]

I would thinks so, i doubt they made 2 styles...except for the 750 they had a drag header.. Only ever saw one..

Thanks Frank. Will give it another shot tomorrow.

[Dream750]

Bought some Hookers for my K5 and am having a hell of a time fitting them.'

Anyone have some more pics?

Stev-o, does your Hooker 4-2 look like these?

[Stev-o]

Bought some Hookers for my K5 and am having a hell of a time fitting them.'

Anyone have some more pics?

Stev-o, does your Hooker 4-2 look like these?

Yes, they do.  So 1&4 go to right side on this model, I don't recall trying that.
But that ad didn't state a 4-2 for a 750, but we know they made one.
What are you thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

[Dream750]

Yes, they do.  So 1&4 go to right side on this model, I don't recall trying that.
But that ad didn't state a 4-2 for a 750, but we know they made one.
What are you thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

Take another look at the bottom part of the ad where it states:

Also offered for the four cylinder Hondas is a 2 into 1 collector, with 1 and 4 leading to the right side, and 2 and 3 pumping exhaust to the left side.

To me, this looks & sounds identical to the 4-2 in the ad pic. Perhaps this is the exhaust system you are working with?
 

[Stev-o]

Yes, they do.  So 1&4 go to right side on this model, I don't recall trying that.
But that ad didn't state a 4-2 for a 750, but we know they made one.
What are you thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

Take another look at the bottom part of the ad where it states:

Also offered for the four cylinder Hondas is a 2 into 1 collector, with 1 and 4 leading to the right side, and 2 and 3 pumping exhaust to the left side.

To me, this looks & sounds identical to the 4-2 in the ad pic. Perhaps this is the exhaust system you are working with?
 

I missed that.....thanks for pointing that out.  Will try it in the morning, thanks!

[ekpent]

yeah, I am having the same problem with some #$%*ty old pipes I'm running on one of my bikes until I can get some better ones...I have already stripped two nuts on #4 and it's still leaking.  Everybody busts on MAC's quality, but there style of mounting is much better imo.

Sean are talking about not being able to get the stock finned clamp tight enough to seal the pipe ? Does it want to bottom out ? Very easy fix for that is to simply take a dremel or a file to the clamp and open up and enlarge that gap in the clamp by taking away some material to restore your pinch.

[754]

Look at the collecter end of each pipe, i think they have a number.  It may be numbered opposite, but you will be able to tell as soon as you put the pipes on in order.

[Stev-o]

yeah, I am having the same problem with some #$%*ty old pipes I'm running on one of my bikes until I can get some better ones...I have already stripped two nuts on #4 and it's still leaking.  Everybody busts on MAC's quality, but there style of mounting is much better imo.

Sean are talking about not being able to get the stock finned clamp tight enough to seal the pipe ? Does it want to bottom out ? Very easy fix for that is to simply take a dremel or a file to the clamp and open up and enlarge that gap in the clamp by taking away some material to restore your pinch.

I used a hacksaw to remove some material from the pinch bolt area. 
Remove the bolt, pinch with vice grips and saw the area.

[754]

Put a shim at least 1 inch wide in the slot.. Then cut with the blade against the shim..helps guide it, and only cuts one side..

[Stev-o]

Yes, they do.  So 1&4 go to right side on this model, I don't recall trying that.
But that ad didn't state a 4-2 for a 750, but we know they made one.
What are you thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

Take another look at the bottom part of the ad where it states:

Also offered for the four cylinder Hondas is a 2 into 1 collector, with 1 and 4 leading to the right side, and 2 and 3 pumping exhaust to the left side.

To me, this looks & sounds identical to the 4-2 in the ad pic. Perhaps this is the exhaust system you are working with?
 

Dream750 - Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Armed with the info you provided, I was able to figure out the Hooker puzzle in no time.
Indeed, the #1&4 both lead to the right side. Who knew??

[Greggo]

Sweeeeeeeeeeet!  Nice work Stev-o!

[Stev-o]

Sweeeeeeeeeeet!  Nice work Stev-o!

Thanks.  Was frustrating yesterday but thought just take a break and do some research. 
Knew something was wrong...

[Dream750]

Dream750 - Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Armed with the info you provided, I was able to figure out the Hooker puzzle in no time. Indeed, the #1&4 both lead to the right side. Who knew??

Stev-o: You're welcome!