I couldn't find anything in the Tech Tips section but seem to remember reading on this site about suitable exhaust gaskets from NAPA. Does anyone have the part number? How likely is it that I could reuse the originals if I change to an aftermarket exhaust system? Thankyou in advance.

You can reuse the originals a number of times.

I have some numbers for replacements gaskets but it will have to wait until I get home.

Doc

I just changed to aftermarket pipes and tried to reuse the stock gaskets as they looked perfect. I had a leak on the rear cylinder that lead to some impressive back firing. I reseated the pipes and tightened them carefully and it still leaked on the rear pipe. The gaskets are designed to crush a little and form to the pipe. A new set went in and no leaks. Of course mother Yamaha is rather proud of these little copper goodies.

Also when you get your pipes look carefully at the flanges as there can be irregualrities from the weld that need to be flatened out to insure a good seal. At least there were on mine.

Cruiser Bob is right

USE OEM gaskets as they are much wider surface area and are designed to be used over if they look good and they fit well
I ordered the crush gaskets and they were a joke skinny and flimsy like over grown spark plug gaskets and you could only use them once almost threw them in the garbage but goona hang im on the x mas tree
the oem gaskets are more rigid and like large copper sealing rings
The stock exhaust was smooth on the mating surface and when I took of stock exhaust no signs of exhaust leak Put on the Cobras there was a weld seam and when
I removed them there was slight evidence of exhaust leak and I was worried that the weld might have ruined the gasket The Yamaha Speedstar Megacone had an nice smooth mating surface... no weld seam... a different mfg process???? reused the stock gaskets and no leaks
I think the cheaper after market pipes have this weld problem and like bob said check that before you install the pipes if you are replacing OEM exhaust like doc said you can reuse the OEM .... the crush gasket.. although it doesnt fit well
it might seal better if you have imperfection on the exhaust but I would grind that out and use OEM gaskets only<br><br>Post edited by: Pop Rivet, at: 2006/11/01 12:03

Haven't used them but Fel-Pro 23588 is supposed to work with no trimming. I don't think it's a NAPA brand so they should be available at other auto parts stores. But that's just a guess.

I use the Felpro gaskets.....in the past if the shops didn't have any in stock, then they can cross refrence to another gasket that will work just as good. In my opinion, it is worth replacing the exhaust gaskets each time you take your pipes off....it's not that expensive at all....so why the heck not?