Reply To: Exhaust pipe gasket

[Sam M.]

I haven’t worked on that model of motor before so don’t know how it’s connected.  A picture would be helpful.  Assuming it’s just two surfaces bolted together, here are some thoughts:

Let’s start with the simplest things first.  Are you trying to slide the gasket paper into the gap of the assembled pieces, or assembling the pieces with the gasket paper squashed in between?  Be sure you’re doing the latter.  It should make a difference because of gasket paper compressing.

Are the surfaces scraped up?  Might need liquid gasket maker if so, or something else to smoothen the surface(s).

Is it all torqued properly?

There are different thicknesses of gasket paper.  Maybe look for some thinner stuff??

Some people have had success getting a paper-based product like a cereal box, making a gasket out of that, and giving it a light grease coating before using it without problems. A liquid gasket sealer might have been added to that though.  This would let you experiment with different material thicknesses without buying whole rolls of gasket material.  For something thinner, maybe try it with a paper bag??   Without the liquid gasket, that might be a cheaper alternative than a whole roll of ultra thin gasket paper you’ll only use on this one gasket.  Having some random paper at the exhaust might be a fire hazard though.  Hmmm.

How about aluminum foil?  It isn’t thick and shouldn’t catch on fire.  Not sure if it would seal well, though it could fill the space.