Sigh.

That's the choke. I have been using this type of connector for 10 years on light-duty linkages like this and never had a problem. This allows easy setup and adjustment of the pushrods.

What happens if it comes loose? The screw doesn't come loose. It's mounted in a brass fitting that really hold tight.

Re: the zip tie, you put another length of silicone tube over the part of the zip tie that's against the muffler.

I'll do some better photos tomorrow. This is a really slick way to mount the canister.