Had to remove the exhaust to do some repairs and I'm wondering if the copper ring gasket can be reused.

Dealer sold me a "crush" gasket, but it doesn't seem to fit very well.

Could be I'm not getting it seated properly.

 

The exhaust gasket on my bike is like a wire mesh and is a crush type. I have had the exhaust off several times and have yet to change my gaskets. As far as I know the only time you have to change the gasket is if it gets torn up.

 

They are a b!tch to get in the ports, get one side started and use a small piece of wood or the back side of a wide chisel and just push it in.
It will go eventually.
IMO, if you have to reuse ok, if you have ne gaskets, puttem in.

 

I like to use a new one but i have re-use old ones with no issues also....

 

Never re-use...rub a little dish soap on the outer edge & work it into the exhaust port a little at a time. Have patience - they are a bugger, but will eventually work in.

 

Copper? Wow, I didn't even know you could get those any more. Probably why the dealer gave you the new style. People seemed to have reused them but I never would. I just put a new exhaust on yesterday and used new gaskets. I used the mesh crush ones. Yes, they are a little tricky to get in because the are just a little bigger than the exhaust port by design. Slowly work it in and you'll get it seated. Again, I would never reuse a copper gasket. If you put the exhaust back on just a hair different than it came off you will have a leak.

 

And, one more question. the gasket has a "thick" side and a "thin" side. Which one goes in the hole first?

And, thanks for all the replies.

 

this a good question and I wish I had a response. I wondered about this too when I replaced my clutch cable as I just removed the exhaust and it is still on the floor.

 

Anyone?

 

Hope this answer is correct!

http://www.ehow.com/how_6908237_do-p...davidson_.html