Exhaust Gaskets?

[lakecountrydave]

O.K. I feel really dumb needing to ask this question, but I guess that asking is better than causing damage so here it goes. I took my bike apart a long time ago. I think that I remember throwing the exhaust gaskets out. However, I am not certain. I am trying to reinstall my exhaust, and I am having a hard time getting the nuts to thread. The studs barely make it through the nut ring. I have read other threads (ex: http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...ust+gasket+pic) where people have a hard time removing the gasket. I know that I did not spend time trying to dig out any. Here are some pictures. Can anyone tell me if the gaskets are there and need to be removed, or if I just need to try harder getting the nuts to thread?

[soccer4m]

Looks like the gaskets are there

I just yanked mine out to replace the exhaust, it looks like yours are pretty carboned up. Dont worry about damage the gaskets are pretty soft, use a sharp flat screwdriver to scrape around and pry out the gaskets, they are about a quarter inch thick. Scrape lightly and you will see the gasket and then pry out with the screwdriver, a light tap from a hammer will push the screwdriver behind the gasket and seperate it from the head. If you need them Partsnmore.com has sets of four for around 6 bucks. Otherwise Yamaha charges around 4 bucks a piece. I didnt use new ones first time hooking up a new exhaust and it leaked, then I used new gaskets and voila, no leaks. Just me guess from your pics,,,anyone else chime in???? Good luck, Mike in S.DIego

[MaximPhil]

Link to the Parts & More page. look about halfway down for what these gaskets look like when new. I would say your old ones are still in there. They are Spiral wound of metal and fibre material.

Phil

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

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Gasket

Looks like the gaskets are still in there? As said, a small flat head screwdriver "carfully" placed at the gasket base and head should work it lose. I would run a die over your stud's based on the rust in photo's or at least a good wire brushing to remove rust. Use new gaskets for sure or you will have leaks, sung one side of flange, then sung the other a few times, better to do in steps then to try to tighten all at once, the gasket is a "Crush" gasket and needs to "seat" prop.

[lakecountrydave]

Thanks guys! I was not sure and did not want to start tearing up my engine only to find out the gaskets were already gone, and I destroyed my bike. I did get my gasket kit from parts and more.

[natemoen]

Another Option

Walker Acousti-Seal. Works great a sealing exhaust and its pretty cheap.

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/521088-acoustiseal_exhaust_system_sealing_compound.html