What if I'm missing the header gaskets/rings?

[peterpayne]

So I just had to reinstall headers and OEM mufflers, due to PO's idea of an exhaust upgrade....

So I noticed my bike did not have such gaskets or copper rings, I put it together like that I hear a quiet but noticeable air leak where the header connects to the engine.

How bad is this, and do I need those gaskets, or would some high temp silicone fix this?

I saw some gaskets on ebay made of something like braided steel that they claim work better than the copper rings...

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks!

[tc.young]

you should have the gaskets as without it, your exhaust is flowing more freely and causes a lean condition on your bike. do you need it? well it runs, as you just proved so no. should you have it, yes. and silicon belongs in fake bewbs only. i would go with OEM and not worry about it after. who knows what your buying on ebay. besides, gaskets are meant to be used once generally.

[peterpayne]

Originally Posted by tc.young

you should have the gaskets as without it, your exhaust is flowing more freely and causes a lean condition on your bike. do you need it? well it runs, as you just proved so no. should you have it, yes. and silicon belongs in fake bewbs only. i would go with OEM and not worry about it after. who knows what your buying on ebay. besides, gaskets are meant to be used once generally.

Thanks!, I see you have the two bikes I want to have, I already got the ninjette, now I want a klr... if only they were as cheap as ninjettes... oh well...