Exhaust pipe question? 1980 special

[mmarquis]

Where the exhaust pipes hook up to the engine , is there some kind of high temperature doughnut gasket like thing that goes between the pipes and the exhaust port ,you know under the retainer. one of my friends ask me why i had so much play there , you can grab the exhaust pipe , any one of them and rattle them around ,i was wondering if that was normal?

[Schming]

Yes...

there are gaskets for the exhaust.

https://www.partsnmore.com/cat_index.php?model=xs1100&category=engine

[skids]

No it is not normal and the bike will run like crap that way. You might need the lower gaskets as well if they have been loose for a while...

[CatatonicBug]

I actually ended up doubling-up on the gaskets on mine, to be sure to seal that spot. It is important that it seals there.

[Larrym]

Disappearing Act

When putting in the new gaskets, ensure that the old ones really are gone. The gaskets are usually caked with carbon and gunk to the point where to the naked eye, they look like part of the head.

[DiverRay]

If the engine or head is from a STANDARD, that may be your problem! The boss the exhaust stud goes in is about 2mm LONGER on the standard. You may need to double up the exhaust gasket to get it tight. You will also have a lot of popping on de-accel with the air leak.