dumb exhaust question

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Apr 22, 2009 | 02:36 PM

train913

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From: Toledo,Oh.

dumb exhaust question

if the exhaust gaskets are still in good shape is it possible to reuse them?

Apr 22, 2009 | 02:49 PM

Xuallus

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From: Alberta, Canada

Worth a try if you don't mind taking apart again if you find a leak... I'm guilty of reusing the occasional gasket, so far no problems.

Apr 22, 2009 | 02:54 PM

train913

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From: Toledo,Oh.

xuallus,thanks for the quick response,I think I'll give it a shot.I have a few hours to kill today

Apr 22, 2009 | 03:37 PM

Archer1968

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From: Las Vegas NV

i also reuse as long as they look good.

Apr 22, 2009 | 05:06 PM

rocker00

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From: Southern Minnesota-college in Duluth

soak them in water and let them completely dry they will seal up a lot better

Apr 22, 2009 | 05:41 PM

edeluxe07

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While I don't think this is a dumb question, I also don't understand questions like this... for $10 you can get a new set... cheap insurance imo..

Last edited by edeluxe07; Apr 22, 2009 at 08:14 PM.

Apr 22, 2009 | 10:47 PM

Xuallus

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From: Alberta, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by edeluxe07

While I don't think this is a dumb question, I also don't understand questions like this... for $10 you can get a new set... cheap insurance imo..

for myself.. nearest HD dealership is about 50Km from my house, and they close at 5PM. Not always convenient.

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Apr 23, 2009 | 07:35 AM

In Memoriam Citoriplus

May our Moderator Rest in Peace

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 11,386

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From: Rochester, NY

Train,
There is no such thing as a stupid question.
Unless its the one you "didn't" ask that got you into trouble.
If you don't ask questions, how the hell are you supposed to find out what you don't know?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocker00

soak them in water and let them completely dry they will seal up a lot better

That 'might' work on some kinds of gaskets. Car engine head gaskets for example. Back in the 50's it was common practice to soak them in water then install them wet.
But modern gaskets no longer require that kind of treatment.
Harley exhaust gaskets are made of steel mesh and some kind of compressed asbestos like material. So once its used it gets heat & pressure formed to fit every crack and bump in the head and pipe.
Soaking them in water is probably a waste of time and effort. Especially considering that they don't like to come out and often have to be ripped out in pieces.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5speedblu

Why is it we never have the time to do things right, but we always find the time to do things twice? (sorry) LOL.

And that should be the quote of the day. Exhaust gaskets are cheap, your riding time, piece of mind, and the agrivation of having to do something over again are worth a hell of a lot more than they are.

Last edited by In Memoriam Citoriplus; Apr 23, 2009 at 07:38 AM.