Changed out my header pipes and all went smooth except when I pushed the left side crossover pipe into the right side header pipe. There is a gasket to seal the joint and I ruined it. I drove 40 miles to the nearest dealer to purchase new a $5.00 gasket, got home and ruined it. Is there a trick to installing this gasket? Do I need to flare out the female header before trying to install the male header into the gasket? Gasket grease?
I did a search on this forum but found nothing, I even checked Youtube in hopes of finding some help.
Any help would be greatly appericated!
Thanks

 

A little silver anti-seize will help them slip together also polish any burr's off so as not to grab the gasket.

 

When I did mine I did end up using an exhaust pipe expander after being frustrated by my inability to get the crossover on without damaging the gasket. Went on nice and easy after that.

 

This is the right way to do it. You can get a spreader at Harbor Freight for about $10.