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HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => General => Topic started by: Jim Bronson on May 13, 2019, 02:59:30 PM

Title: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: Jim Bronson on May 13, 2019, 02:59:30 PM
The SM is adamant about replacing exhaust gaskets every time the headers are removed. Is this strictly true? It also says to replace derby cover gaskets, but I've reused mine several times. Can I reuse the exhaust gaskets too if they look good?
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: FSG on May 13, 2019, 03:06:48 PM
I use the tapered ones and reuse them if still looking OK,

I also double up with the clips behind the flanges

[attach=0]
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: jrgreene1968 on May 13, 2019, 03:10:54 PM
I re use the copper ones, but last time I tried re using the oem tapered kind, I had a leak and had to pull exhaust back off. So I keep a few extras in the toolbox now
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: tbird on May 13, 2019, 04:21:59 PM
If using the same header, I always reuse the gaskets
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: Jim Bronson on May 13, 2019, 09:23:33 PM
Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: Ironheadmike on May 28, 2019, 11:39:40 AM
Quote from: FSG on May 13, 2019, 03:06:48 PM
I use the tapered ones and reuse them if still looking OK,

I also double up with the clips behind the flanges

[attach=0,msg1296817]
What doe doubling the clip do to help ?
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: 88b on May 28, 2019, 12:33:36 PM
Quote from: tbird on May 13, 2019, 04:21:59 PM
If using the same header, I always reuse the gaskets

Me too
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: Hossamania on May 28, 2019, 12:46:49 PM
Quote from: Ironheadmike on May 28, 2019, 11:39:40 AM
Quote from: FSG on May 13, 2019, 03:06:48 PM
I use the tapered ones and reuse them if still looking OK,

I also double up with the clips behind the flanges

[attach=0,msg1296817]
What doe doubling the clip do to help ?

It helps push the head pipe on a bit tighter and more evenly.
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: Mirrmu on May 28, 2019, 02:15:53 PM
Yes reuse as much stuff as possible.
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: FSG on May 28, 2019, 03:58:41 PM
Hoss  :up: :up: :up:  and provides a little more squish B 4 the flange touches the head 
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: Jim Bronson on May 28, 2019, 06:26:46 PM
I found a couple of new ones in my parts cabinet, so I just replaced them. I was in a hurry, so I only used one ring, but I'll buy a couple more for the next time. Anyway, there are no leaks, so it's all good. I'm hoping I'm done pulling headers for a loooong time.
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: FSG on May 28, 2019, 07:23:38 PM
 :up:
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: tdrglide on May 30, 2019, 09:29:20 AM
I also like to make sure the exhaust valve is closed all the way before I pull the old gasket out. Sometimes the tapered ones kind of disintegrate coming out. But sometimes I just leave them alone and reuse.
Title: Re: Reusing exhaust gaskets
Post by: chaos901 on May 30, 2019, 10:47:46 AM
QuoteI also like to make sure the exhaust valve is closed all the way before I pull the old gasket out. Sometimes the tapered ones kind of disintegrate coming out.

Something that I never considered but sounds like a good idea. 
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