I have a NEW DA 50 and a Slimline Pitts style muffler. I see some brackets came with it to support the muffler. I was told I have to take one of the head bolts out and fasten the bracket there. Is this correct? Are there any issues with leaks or is everyone doing with out the extra bracket? I would hate to break the seal on this beautiful motor....



HP

Many years ago when Bill started making mufflers there were some problems with cracking at the joints...The bracket fixed the problem...You're not breaking any seal by taking a bolt out...
If there's a gasket, leave it out and use Permatex Ultra Copper like it says in the Slimline instructions....Gaskets compress and start leaks....Easy does it on the Permatex, a little goes a long way...

I just used some blue lock tite on the bolt and cranked it by hand using the short end of the allen wrench. Remember it's aluminum so no gorilla strength or breaker bars should be used. Mine has held for a year now. I check all 4 of those bolts now and then and I would highly recommend that you do too. They can come loose from what I've read, saw the pic's too (they blow their top).

Does that mean you didn't use the bracket? No problems with cracks then? Looks like one vote for and one against the bracket....



HP

I used the bracket. I was explaining how I re-installed the head bolt after removing it. I highly recommend using the bracket. It will hold that muffler in place very well. I put a tiny little bend in my bracket to get it to clear the muffler and the engine while installed. I have maybe a 1/16 clearance on both sides. As it came it would rub a tiny bit on the engine or muffler, can't remember which. You really want it to not touch either one after it's installed