Reusing exhaust gaskets
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
after about a million different exhaust changes over the years, I often reuse stock ex port gaskets if they have not been on the bike long and retorqued more then once. The only exhuast gaskets that are sure to leak are the SE ones LOL. If you put the headers on properly you will not force the gasket into the exhuast flow. I have checked this every single time I have had an exhuast off and not once was the gasket in the flow. the cross over does have a gasket and if you are careful you can reuse it.
Cometic makes a nice exhaust gasket but it is a one use gasket.
Cometic makes a nice exhaust gasket but it is a one use gasket.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Exhaust port gaskets
The stock tapered gaskets are for the stock headpipe with the bell tapered end. When you go to an aftermarket head pipe such as D&D it has a flat end that mates up much better with the SE type exhaust gaskets. I use two SE gaskets in each port which equal the thickness of one of D&D's which keep the 2into1 pipe off the six speed cover and are much easier to put in the ports than the D&D ones. You probably would have trouble with the SE gaskets trying to use them with the stock headpipes tapered end.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Last edited by Potato_Potato; Mar 24, 2011 at 06:58 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
I did.....stock gaskets. But I have re-used on prior bikes one time no problem. If I was in a hurry or working after HD was closed I would chance it. Collecting parts and getting ready to do work later? Spend the $8 - $15 (depending on dealer) and replace them.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: N.W. Pa.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
Stay away from those SE exhaust gaskets. A few years ago, I bit on the SE exhaust gasket BS from the dealer. I paid good money for a gasket that leaked no matter what. The stock gaskets are just fine. Just torque to specs and walk away. It's good recheck the torque again after a few rides.