Exhaust gasket replacement/permatex question

[SS4Luck]

are the gaskets in the head of the Gen 3 reusable? My bike has approx 2k miles on it. I’ve read they are and they aren’t.
I’m about to install my Arata system, and it looks like I may have had a small leak or two with the M4 I just pulled off. I didn’t have any gasket maker on the M4 but have a tube of it now (I didn’t know any better before). knowing that do you put it on the lip/edge of the primary or around the exhaust port on the head? Are these gaskets shots and need to be replaced or load em up with permatex and send it?

 

[SS4Luck]

So Brock’s instructions say to do permatex the way the bottom is colored, but it seems like the top pipe makes more sense? Idfk anymore lol

 

[SS4Luck]

This also makes sense too

 

[sixpack577]

The exhaust gaskets can sometimes be reused, but it's not adviseable, as those gaskets crush into position.
The permatex is harmless, and can help seal a leak, but I'm not sure how well it will last long term.
Exhaust paste is also available, and it even comes with some brand's headers, but it drys rock hard, vs flexible like the permatex.
I have personally never used either on bike exhausts, other than the permatex once, to stop a sputter where a slip-on connected.
I always use new exhaust gaskets, and torque them to spec.
I test-ride the bikes without fairings anyway, and snug any header bolts/flanges that may have a small leak.
So, as much as you work on your bike, the permatex will likely hold up long enough to put things back together now, vs waiting on new gaskets.

 

[sixpack577]

And I would put permatex around the entire circumferance of all 4 header tubes.

 

[Dustin02]

I would use new gaskets and no permatex. Sucks to have to take it all off for a cheap darn gasket.

 

[SS4Luck]

Gaskets have been ordered. I’m so tired of working in this thing and have to pull the radiator to get my hands in so this is a one and done install.


Sometimes I hate y’all with your logic

 

[Robert 0046]

New gaskets

 

[SS4Luck]

Might actually get to hear this Ti goodness today

 

[jimbob8915]

Personally, I am not a fan of the copper crush style gaskets. I prefer the spiral wound ones.

 

[Dennis]

The only place they seal is on the end of the tube, like your first highlighted pic. I don't know of any permatex that is going to hold up to the temperature extremes that surface will see. I have used it on slip joints before but I don't even do that anymore. I would be broke if I bought OEM gaskets every time I took my exhaust off. I just reuse them over and over again.

 

[SS4Luck]

I just fought these things for 30 minutes I should have left em and dealt with the leaks lol

 

[pcs]

i swapped to gen2 gaskets, those are reusable

 

[pcs]

side by side. gen3 is used, gen 2 is fresh.

 

[SS4Luck]

side by side. gen3 is used, gen 2 is fresh.

View attachment 1667599

I didn’t even think to look if Gen 2 would work. I’m just impatient and want this thing running again lol

 

[SS4Luck]

If anyone in the future is installing an arata and hating their life and searches the forum


You need long reach ball end hex driver sockets to torque the exhaust bolts

And yes the flange sits against the head port.

LOWES doesn’t behave ball end
HD has them at some stores, and they close at 10

 

[SS4Luck]

The sound on this is incredible. It’s definitely loud as hell, but it’s not just noise. It’s still deep and bass-y but also has some new agressive tone with it too. I’m definitely excited to go out and make hits and see how it makes the bike feel now.

https://flic.kr/p/2oGbLrg

https://flic.kr/p/2oGdquv

 

[Dustin02]

Oh damn! That sucker is loud! Sounds really f'n good though!

 

[02SE1]

It definitely makes arata sound...