Exhaust Gaskets

Got a brain fart, when installing new exhuast gaskets, does the flat side go into the port or the round side?

gaillarry wrote:

...when installing new exhuast gaskets, does the flat side go into the port or the round side?

FSM doesn't say one way or the other.
Don't think it matters.
I usually install all four with the same orientation, but likely doesn't matter either.

Regarding installation of head gasket, the folded over metal edge should be upward.

Good Fortune!

Something Larry and Plum informed me of for I had the same question way back when.....

Flat side to Port....
This way the curved rounded side will compress fit to exhaust tube...

Also, use some Permatex high temp copper sealer on the flat side to hold the gaskets in place. This will also help in reducing exhaust leaks....

OMR

Assure old gasket is removed.
May sometimes discover two old gaskets in the same head port.

The old gaskets get so carbon encrusted inside the ports, it may be difficult to discern the gasket as distinct from the port area.

May clean the head port area with acetone and q-tip.
Doesn't need to be spotless.

Could also dab some high temp copper silicone on the gasket when "sticking" it inside the port.
Helps hold the gaskets in position while installing header pipes, so the split collars, clamps, gaskets, don't all keep falling apart while trying to reassemble. :pinch:

Good Fortune!

Edit: Yikes! OMR beat me to the punch . . . again! :laugh:

Either way the copper collapses and seal the exhaust. It doesn't make $0.02 difference which way they go.

I agree no matter which way it faces. I use scotchbrite pad to clean hard carbon off the seat and end of header.

On mine, I have two use two gaskets on the RH side port to get a seal. I use a couple of tiny dots of crazy glue to hold those two together during installation.

Regarding exhaust gaskets thickness....

Wasn't there some mentioning where thicker gaskets off a Suzki or similar for this? I forget now....

Anyone have a link?

OMR

I think Jeff at Z1 mentioned using Suzuki gaskets as they are a little bit thicker than what Kawasaki sells.

The few times I've done it, I've put a small slather of grease on the flat sides then "stick" them into the exhaust ports.

I used the suzuki exhaust gaskets this spring...they look twice as thick and made it kind of a pain to get the bolts started. No leaks at all to this point.

The kawasaki gaskets work just fine, but not for re-use. Thats a maybe... if your lucky.

The greese to hold them in trick works wonders.

I just changed my exhaust gaskets and the copper gasket goo is the way to go. I smear a little on the exhaust pipe, stick the gaskets to them and stick em in the holes and bolt it down, tightening one side of each clamp a little at a time. Be careful that your clamps are moving in evenly so that you don't break one.