Header / exhaust gaskets - Copper vs felt

[salty_monk]

Well I’m sure it’s not felt but it’s got that general feel to it... I’m talking about the OEM style ones that crush, seem to be a felt like material in an Aluminum casing.

I’m about to fit a pipe and have both styles on hand, never used Copper ring type, intrigued to know if there is any benefit to either type.

My gut says the OEM style will seal better but the pipe came with copper (I suspect they may be cheaper to produce...)

[GregT]

It's asbestos based. Lasts almost indefinitely in my experience. The copper ones are single use IMO.

At this end of the world, where I haven't been able to source exhaust gaskets for something unusual, I've made up bronze rings - which do last indefinitely.

[salty_monk]

I figured it would have been but thought like brake shoes that might have all changed these days.... Understood on the copper, thanks. Yes I've had plenty of luck re-using the other type too

[bwringer]

I've used both, and the OEM-style cardboardish-in-a-metal-ring-whatever-the-hell-they-are rings seal the first time every time and you can often get away with re-using them.

Plus, the aftermarket OEM-style work fine; no need to pay for OEM. The aftermarket ones are about a buck each and I always keep a couple of sets on hand.

Protip: squeeze them slightly oval so they'll stay in the bores without falling out. Makes installing exhausts 1,000% easier.

[eil]

I don't know how reusable they are but I've been happy with the aftermarket ones that Z1 sells.

[reabo]

Motorcycle exhausts will seal with silicone sealant, no gaskets necessary.

Now that will probably upset a few folk, if you don't believe me try it. Using just silicone, a couple of hours to cure thoroughly and it will seal.

[Nessism]

Motorcycle exhausts will seal with silicone sealant, no gaskets necessary.

Now that will probably upset a few folk, if you don't believe me try it. Using just silicone, a couple of hours to cure thoroughly and it will seal.

Gotta take a hard pass on that one. The whole idea behind crush gaskets is that they take up space. Silicone, even if it doesn't blow out, has it's best application in tight fitting parts.

[salty_monk]

I used the "asbestos" stock style ones in the end...

The silicone provided was for the slip joints. It came with the copper gaskets.

[reabo]

All gaskets are space fillers, they fill up the gaps between the joints, with the exception of head gaskets, which also set the bump clearances in the engine. Silicone has bulk and is therefore too thick for tight fitting joints, it will be squeezed out by the tight fit.