Exhaust Gaskets?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL
Exhaust Gaskets?
Hey yall,
I've a got a question to pose to ya... I'm about to install new headers to replace the factory pipes/Rush slip-ons... new pipes are Hacker Custom, and i'm curious to know what yall have done as far as exhaust gaskets... i've come from a chevy small block background, and considering how cheap those are, new headers got new gaskets... but as these are much more sunken in and practically sealed to the head/exhaust port, are new gaskets needed... the manual doesn't say anything about new gaskets, but i also don't wanna put these on, only to find out i've got a leak that could have been prevented with new gaskets. so from a young harley guy to experienced ones,
new gaskets or reuse the ones on there?
I've a got a question to pose to ya... I'm about to install new headers to replace the factory pipes/Rush slip-ons... new pipes are Hacker Custom, and i'm curious to know what yall have done as far as exhaust gaskets... i've come from a chevy small block background, and considering how cheap those are, new headers got new gaskets... but as these are much more sunken in and practically sealed to the head/exhaust port, are new gaskets needed... the manual doesn't say anything about new gaskets, but i also don't wanna put these on, only to find out i've got a leak that could have been prevented with new gaskets. so from a young harley guy to experienced ones,
new gaskets or reuse the ones on there?
Supporter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 627
Likes: 2
From: Salem, OR
If you want to have peace of mind that the new exhaust is seated correctly spend the money and get new gaskets. The old ones are not difficult to get out they just look that way cause they are the same color as the engine.
http://powersport-superstore-inc.ama...source=froogle
http://powersport-superstore-inc.ama...source=froogle
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
pull them out. If you take off an exhaust for maintenance and replace the same exhaust headers then no, but different headers may not have the exact same shape and those gaskets will be pretty compressed by the old ones. And they are quite easy to get out and relatively not expensive. my 2 c's
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
Go new, allot easier now.
I had copper rings come with my exhaust but went to the HD and purchased the right one.
Tech said those copper rings would leak, I wanted to use the new originals because of the ability to crush seal them.
I made a tool to install so I didn't ruin them.
I had copper rings come with my exhaust but went to the HD and purchased the right one.
Tech said those copper rings would leak, I wanted to use the new originals because of the ability to crush seal them.
I made a tool to install so I didn't ruin them.
Last edited by stilup; Oct 2, 2012 at 06:08 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
Your gaskets are most likely pressed into the head pocket. Take an ice pick and pry them out. They are graphite and wire mesh material and the stock gaskets squish around the pipe flange and into the head pocket with extra material sometimes closing off some of the port. If you are replacing the headers, purchase the Screamin Eagle exhaust gaskets. They are like compressed mesh washers that fit over the pipe and do not squish into the port and avoid closing off or disturbing flow.
Find out what gaskets your pipes require as in flat like the se or oem gaskets. I have an extra set of SE gaskets you are welcome to if you want them pm me. BTW I am using SE gaskets with the firesweeps and no problems so far.
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you can use the reg old exhaust gaskets HD sells... i replace them every time i have pipes off a bike... no need to spend the extra on SE the cheap ones will work just fine
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL
thanks yall, 'ppreciate the feed back...
One of the few things the manual leaves out...
Oh, another complaint about the HD Service Manaul... Am i the only one who thinks it would make like CONSIDERABLY easier if they had what size the bolts were... they tell you what size Torx head you need to take of the Derby cover, why not everything else... ok, i'm done bitching, have a good day yall
One of the few things the manual leaves out...
Oh, another complaint about the HD Service Manaul... Am i the only one who thinks it would make like CONSIDERABLY easier if they had what size the bolts were... they tell you what size Torx head you need to take of the Derby cover, why not everything else... ok, i'm done bitching, have a good day yall
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
pull them out. If you take off an exhaust for maintenance and replace the same exhaust headers then no, but different headers may not have the exact same shape and those gaskets will be pretty compressed by the old ones. And they are quite easy to get out and relatively not expensive. my 2 c's