Motorcycle Repair: muffler repair, muffler clamps, muffler repair

Question
Hi Chris
I have a 1976 Yamaha DT 400. I am Restoring the bike in the best way I can but I have a muffler problem. When the main pipe and the rear pipe come together they don't fit very tight and as a result is sprays two stroke crap all over. I looked into tape fixes but I want to be able to seperate the pipes when doing other work on the bike. I also picked up a muffler conecter from the auto parts store and this may work by placing the end inside each other to keep the gases flowing to to back. But my real question is can I buy some heat resestaint packing material to stop the leak or do you think it will get blown out. By the way I road use this bike as well as Ice race in the winter, It's a blast. Thanks a lot for taking the time to read and offer help. Paul


Answer
Hi Paul.
 Well, to ice race a bike, you have larger testicles than I.  More power to ya.

As far as the muffler connection, there should be a spacer (grapite, usually) that fits on the end of the header pipe that the muffler clamps to.  Check to see if it is on your header pipe.  It could need to be replaced.  Check with a local shop or dealer that carries Yamaha.  They should be able to order the parts for you.

let me know what you find out.
Good luck.
FALCON