I'm in the habit of going out for a ride and wrenching. The other day I stopped at a park and pulled out my exhaust bolts to apply some anti-sieze to the threads. PB Blaster was used over a few rides to prep the threads. I also tapped them with a hammer. All but the last bolt came out easily. It squeaked and appeared slightly bent when I finished coaxing it out. Does this happen often? The PO laid the bike down once. I used some steel wool to clean the bolts and rusty washers, and they went back in easily. So now I'm deciding on how I want to replace my gaskets.
Here are replacement bolts that I've already ordered M8 x 1.25 40mm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8mm-M8-x-1-25-SOCKET-HEAD-Caps-Screws-12-9-Alloy-Steel-Black-Oxide-DIN-912/112426498865?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=412819619028&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
and after stopping at the dealership and them only having one gasket in stock I am considering the following gaskets made from gasket material:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUZUKI-GS-1100-GS1000-EXHAUST-GASKET-SET-7-39CA-ON-SALE-GS-1100-1000-750-500-/291949979432?hash=item43f9932728:g:3isAAOSw8w1X4eXo&vxp=mtr
My concerns are that these gaskets look larger and might disintegrate or melt. But I like the price and can replace them twice.
I left the dealership telling them that I'll order online from them if needed, but I'm wondering if it's a sign that I should use the less expensive gaskets. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice on these choices in parts?
I've used rolled up aluminum foil under the old gaskets before. :icon_mrgreen:
Hiya RideShield :)
I've read several threads over the years about exhaust bolts being tricky (to say the least)! You're not alone.
I replaced mine with studs and nuts. Got the idea from a few of sledge's posts. I went with stainless because I don't want them to rust... but there are other materials available of course. There are details and pics in my project thread. The idea is to have the same metal for both surfaces that have threads... and to also avoid ever having to remove the studs from the engine, therefore protecting the aluminum threads. Hope I worded that correctly!
The exhaust gaskets... I never considered using anything for them except the OEM ones. I ordered them online when I bought mine. Someone else will hafta reply with more information regarding what else can be used there. I'd like to learn too!
@J_Walker using tinfoil - that's some great improvisation. That reminds me, I don't have duct tape in my under the seat toolkit either!
@ ShowBiz I saw your bike thread and considered the studs route. I looked at the prices of aftermarket exhausts and weighed that against what this bike has already been through with the PO. So for now I am opting for the cheaper options until every little thing is sorted.
I replaced the "bent" exhaust bolt that was squeaking when turned in either direction. The new bolt went in without any problems.
(http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o42/pachislo_qna/IMG_20170826_182045_zpsz9xh4aid.jpg)
I'm saving the gasket replacement for next year.