Reusing Gaskets?

[DKScully]

Hi,

Was told yesterday that you can blow up your gaskets with a torch so they recover the shape. I've done this this morning but not sure if I should reuse them.
They are the four Gaskets in the Down pipes and the exhaust. They are copper I think.

If they don't work properly what is the damage that could be done to the bike if any?

And also when I fit them what should I have in mind shall I put something like grease or something like that?

Thanks!

[Timmeh]

copper washers can be annealed by heating them till they start to glow and then dunking them in a bucket of cold water.
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GSXR400 x2 | '94 RVF400 | '93 TZR125 4DL (again)
20:22:30 BLUEX5: i would love to be forced to undergo a**l plugging with different sizes
20:48:18 Temeluchus: comp you hunk of smouldering homos3x you

[Pete.]

Exhaust port gaskets aren't usually solid copper so don't take wel to that. Usually you need to reeplace them. You might get a seal by fitting them in backwards to how they were so that they deform again.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[DKScully]

Thanks, what would happen if I didnt get a seal when i fit the old ones in? Ive ordered new ones anyway but wondering what would happen.

[JockyT]

They will probably leak, which you will hear and mistake for engine noise.

New ones are crushed to fit between the exhaust and head. Old ones are hardened and won't crush so you'll no doubt get some gaps.

If you do reuse and they leak don't keep tightening the studs to try and seal them or they'll probably snap. Then you're in trouble.

My advise is fit new ones - they only cost a pound each.
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Current Bikes:
YBR125 - low running cost commuter
XJ600s - a bit dull but cheap and reliable first big bike

[DKScully]

Thanks! i ordered them on friday so hopefully ill get them tomorrow and hopefully fit them the right way! which i think is the border bit looking towards the engine.

I also got a new exhaust from ebay time ago as mine had a scratch, today i compared them and they are not exactly the same when you look inside. Does that matter?

And what if I fit it and it doesnt work properly and need to come back to the old can? Do i need to fit a new gasket too? Sorry im a newbie

[Pete.]

JockyT is right a leaking exhaust gasket often sounds just like top-end rattle.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[DKScully]

Put new gaskets for the downpipes (4 copper ones) and reused the silencer one after "burn" it with a camping gas! droped it in cold water after that. It seems fine but ill keep an eye on it