First time maintenance hiccup!!

[lashk]

Went out today to do some preseason maintenance on my 2004 Sportster LE Di that I bought used back in November and removed the PTO cover to grease it and I noticed grease slung inside the cover. It was coming from the area closest to the engine. I cleaned it up and began to look for a torn boot. Turns out one of the clamps is missing completely (see attached photo). I know I need to replace this clamp and add grease but I was wondering if this has ever happened to anyone else. I looked up the clamp and it calls for a "Oetiker clamp" and there is a special tool to install it. My question is do you have to use this type of clamp and do you have to have the special pliers to install it correctly?

 

[Chester]

Without the proper tool, it's a little tricky to install that clamp. I always use the proper replacement parts but a zip tie will work fine on there.

Chester

 

[seadoodude1]

Just use a zip tie. That is what is on mine and I have seen this recommended many times. All the clamp is for is to hold to boot on the PTO.

 

[kustomkarl]

Oetiker clamp isn't necessary on the boot. You could get away with a stainless steel hose clamp, and know it won't break like the plastic tie might after time.

Karl