Topic: Kerker Muffler Question - Updated with pics.

[robdrobd]

I have a cb550 1975 SS. I bought it with a kerker muffler attached. Now that I have it apart, I can't see how it fits back together. Both diameters are the same (muffler inlet and header outlet) , one doesn't slip over the other at all. Whats the deal?

[Alan F.]

From zooming in on your picture I'm wondering if there's a third piece that may have slipped inside the muffler, or may have slipped deeper into the header? 

How does that Kerker K2 muffler sound on a 550?
I've got a Kerker pipe with a megaphone on it that I'll be using, but I've got a K2 muffler too that I might try someday.
-Alan

[NickC]

Alan, here's my 550 with the kerker

http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z72/bigyjnick/?action=view&current=100_1960.flv

[robdrobd]

From zooming in on your picture I'm wondering if there's a third piece that may have slipped inside the muffler, or may have slipped deeper into the header? 

How does that Kerker K2 muffler sound on a 550?
I've got a Kerker pipe with a megaphone on it that I'll be using, but I've got a K2 muffler too that I might try someday.
-Alan

There is a gasket that goes in there somwhere, but I still can't figure out how to clamp the thing on. I feel stupid because I know it was on there before. Does most of the support come from the clamp job or from the bracket back by the peg? Anyway, mine did not sound as throaty with the Kerker, but my carbs were totally trashed so that might change. I also wrapped my pipes.

[NickC]

My kerker was only 2 pieces, the outer shell and the inner chamber wrapped in packing. I got a piece of aluminum stock and used it for the bracket slot on the backside for support.

[robdrobd]

Maybe the ends of the muffler need to be bent out slightly so it slides onto the header?

[Alan F.]

Maybe.  How big is the size difference between the muffler inlet and your header pipe?

Aluminum does expand so if it's only a little size mismatch maybe heating the muffler up will expand it enough to 'slip-on'?
-A

[mick750F]

Maybe the ends of the muffler need to be bent out slightly so it slides onto the header?

   Typically the muffler would slip over the collector pipe though from what I can see in the pic it's not the case with your bike. Can we see a close up shot of the4 muffler/collector connection?

Mike

[NickC]

Do you still have the muffler apart? Take a picture, we like pictures 

[robdrobd]

Here are some pics. I think it needs to be bent out the more I look at it. I think the PO bent it in and then clamped it somehow. I threw in a pic of my exhaust wrap too. its my first and only attempt and was wondering if it looked ok.

[NickC]

Yeah, that looks like a stepdown adapter. What I did with mine was have a "midpipe" made. Local exhaust shop took a small pipe, bent it, flared it, and welded it on my pipes for free. I bought the guy lunch 

It put the muffler a little bit further back (more room for my wife) and gave it a nice little upsweep. Looks real clean too. Should be able to make it out in this pic

[Jordan]

Auto parts store sells a pipe expander a bolt thingy with wedges o ringed to it, slip it in tighten and viola pipe expansion equal all the way around. A hose clamp on the outside tightens it back up, not to obtrusive, but pipe wrap will hide it. Just a thought.

[NickC]

A pipe expander won't work on the end of the collector, ask me how I know 

[Jordan]

My bad, I was thinking of the other connection further forward.

[robdrobd]

If you look at the first pic, they appear to be bent in a little on the muffler. Do you think I can just bend them out?

[NickC]

If you look at the first pic, they appear to be bent in a little on the muffler. Do you think I can just bend them out?

Yep, thats what they are there for. What I found works the best is get a small adjustable wrench and tighten it down on the tab, then bend away.

[famoussas1]

i got a 550, and i need a kerker...or something 4 into 1