Exhaust header gaskets
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
Exhaust header gaskets
I'm in the process of changing my exhaust system and when removing my old V&H BSS I noticed there were no exhaust header gaskets. The shop that did the engine work also installed the V&H pipes so did they screw up or is it necessaryto have the gaskets in the first place?
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
RE: Exhaust header gaskets
If you say they're really not there, then who am I to argue..........but the gaskets are made of a material not unlike pump packing. That is, a graphite impregnated material woven around a fine metallic mesh. When put in place they mush in and mold themselves into the opening just as though they aren't even there.
Have you tried poking in a small screwdriver to see if there is something in there and you're not seein' it? They ought to just pry right out once you've got the screwdriver hooked in under 'em.
CN
Have you tried poking in a small screwdriver to see if there is something in there and you're not seein' it? They ought to just pry right out once you've got the screwdriver hooked in under 'em.
CN
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
RE: Exhaust header gaskets
I couldn't see any gasket and I stuck my finger in both the head exhaust port and the header and nothing! That's why I'm a little confused I expected to see a gasket of some sort in there. I bought new gaskets for my new exhaust system so I know what they're like and will use them.Maybe the builder forget em?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,276
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From: Minneapolis Area, MN
RE: Exhaust header gaskets
Could happen, but doubtful.
Like numb said, stick a small screwdriver in there instead of your fat finger. They crush and appear like metal becoming camo. The tip of the screwdriver should produce a metal gasket that's softer than the head. Pry it out...clean out the seat. Should be nice square-bottom groove to work the new gasket into.
Like numb said, stick a small screwdriver in there instead of your fat finger. They crush and appear like metal becoming camo. The tip of the screwdriver should produce a metal gasket that's softer than the head. Pry it out...clean out the seat. Should be nice square-bottom groove to work the new gasket into.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
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RE: Exhaust header gaskets
no gaskets... shoulda had a good 'exhaust leak'. typically the header pipes seal to the gasket and don't seal to the head. Can't imagine a bike without the gaskets on it. Could it have perhaps come 'off' (again I would think this would be very RARE) and stuck to the existing header pipe(s)? Normally those gaskets end up like graphite and are very 'slick' to the finger when going over them.
In any event .... if you are 100% sure there are no gaskets ... you NEED to install new ones. Would Not want to install any exhaust system without gaskets. BAD Leakage... and lotsa popping/backfiring would be occurring.
In any event .... if you are 100% sure there are no gaskets ... you NEED to install new ones. Would Not want to install any exhaust system without gaskets. BAD Leakage... and lotsa popping/backfiring would be occurring.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
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From: Washington
RE: Exhaust header gaskets
They should be there. If they've been in for sometime, you will be hard pressed to find them. Take a small flat bladed SD and push, you'll feel it give. I just installed new pipes this weekend, they are hard to see.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 331
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From: Heppner, Oregon
RE: Exhaust header gaskets
Use something with a sharp pin type of point and poke it in there. If there was no gasket in there you will feel metal on metal and a square edge where the gasket seats. If you can push into the material at all it's the old gasket mashed there. I use a needle probe with a 90 degree bend to pull out the old gasket, it seems to work best for me.
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RE: Exhaust header gaskets
I just installed Fullsac true duals on my 06 RK. I can tell you there was no gasket on my rear jug. I was shocked, checked in the head, checked on the cross over pipe, checked to see if it fell down on the engine or under the bike...nothing.What is weird i had no noticable popping or anything to hint there was no gasket. I bought high performance gaskets and installed them..bike is running good and I love the look of the true duals.
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