reuse exhaust gaskets?

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Nov 13, 2008 | 04:41 PM

#21

Alain

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 4,762

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From: north jersey

sorry for the dumb question but, what exactly are the gaskets and what do they do?

are they the pieces used to tie the pipes to the engine?

Nov 13, 2008 | 05:45 PM

#22

hdbe

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 927

Likes: 1

From: Indiana

its the metal mesh (or liquid) seal between the pipe and the engine to prevent leaks at that tie-in location.

Nov 13, 2008 | 05:58 PM

#23

drkenigma1

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 60

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From: Sacramento, CA

they create a seal between metal and keeps the correct pressure in the cylinder

Nov 13, 2008 | 05:59 PM

#24

JohnK-NJ

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 374

Likes: 5

If you had straight pipes would it be really hard to have a leak because of having almost no back pressure?

Nov 13, 2008 | 09:59 PM

#25

azfathog17

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 201

Likes: 1

From:

My old gaskets looked fine but I replaced them anyway. They come out pretty easily, at least mine did. V/H BSS manual had two p/ns for the gaskets. I just used the standard tapered ones. No leaks, no issues.

Nov 13, 2008 | 10:21 PM

#26

raaaaaa

Road Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 920

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From: Northern NJ

i have 2 bikes and pulled the pipes off my fatboy 3 times and used the same gaskets no leak. took the pipes off my night train twice and used the same gaskets. I have about 4 pair of new gaskets sitting in the drawer

Nov 14, 2008 | 01:14 AM

#27

Stretchman

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 2,514

Likes: 443

From: South Florida

definitely get new gaskets. If the old ones leak, they can cause a pressure differential at the port causing bad things to happen, like running way too lean and possibly toasting a valve. Not to mention that you need to have the gaskets lined up before you tighten the pipe clamps down, or you can snap a header. Ask me how I know.