Modern Vespa

My 2006 exhaust was quite rusty so I removed it and repainted it. I've removed the exhaust and put it back on three times and it still sounds like a lawnmower. I'm working the collar up in there while moving the muffler and it feels seated. Is there anything I could be doing wrong? The gasket is in place but it's difficult to tell condition considering the location. I had the tires replaced a couple of months ago and after I didn't notice any difference in sound.

I've grown quite tired of wobbling that starboard side nut so I thought I'd see if anyone had any insight.

After reading this thread: HELP! Reinstalling exhaust pipe on LX 150 it appears I may not be getting it seated completely. I've been using the top bolt (very loose) hanging the pipe while I move it around but maybe that's causing it to not line up. It appears the fifth time may be the charm so I'll go again.

So I got it using the advice from the other post. Not sure how to delete this topic (or if it's possible).

It's worth leaving up for the next person who has trouble. Thanks for reporting back with success! The LX exhaust can be a right bugger to get back on.

Yeah, like the carb diaphragm this is one of the head scratchers of LX/S ownership.

I will note the only way I could get it to work was to barely put in the bottom bolt (just to hold the weight) after the pipe was in place. Once the flange was tightened completely I then installed the two bolts in the rear. I don't know if it's all of them but my first four tries I barely had any threads sticking out after tightening the nut. When it was installed correctly there were four or five threads visible. Now I know.

Also, oddly enough, after I finished, the sound I was complaining about in another thread appears to have disappeared so I may have had at least one loose bolt / nut in there after the guy installed my tires. I'll do that myself next time.

If I could add one more thing here- when I was installing the bottom bolt things got a little weird and it snugged down half way in. I didn't want to force it so I ran an M8 x 1.25 tap with a little 3 in 1 oil on it into the case. The bolt wasn't damaged. After running it in and backing it out a few times and cleaning off the shavings the bolt went in fine. M8 x 1.25 is the size and pitch FYI.