Y gasket idea

[qasamm]

Y gaskets seem to be a common issue with Spyders. Knowing only enough to be dangerous I have the following idea an am looking for feedback while I get the stuff together to try it-

Rather than dropping the exhaust and replacing the gaskets I came up with the idea to remove the clamps and replace them with a layer of pipe wrap and a wide exhaust clamp to tighten (and seal) the joint.

It seems almost too easy but something I'm willing to try.

Any thoughts? Concerns? Praise for such a spectacular idea!?

 

[krb1945]

Part of the problem with the "Y" gasket problem is vibration and heating/cooling of the band clamps. The heating/cooling of the clamps has a tendency to loosen them. There is a possibility that adding wider band clamps could make the joints too tight and too rigid. Being too rigid in the "Y" area might cause leaks at the forward cylinder head connection. A stabilizing bracket on the long pipe might be needed to prevent stresses on the forward cylinder gasket.

Now having said this it might be worth a try to test this theory. I'm sure some of the master mechanics can give us some better guidance in this area. Ken krb1945

 

[NancysToy]

I agree with Ken, wider clamps could cause rigidity, that would result in looseness, damage, or even exhaust pipe cracks, elsewhere. Remember that the engine moves in the frame, and the exhuast gaskets and joints absorb that movement and prevent it from being transferred to the rigid parts bolted to the frame...mainly the rest of the exhaust system. The abilty to flex slightly at the joint also limits the movement of the pipe at the head, which would eventually damage that gasket and cause fastener looseness. In short, something eventually has to move (and wear out) or fail in this stretch of pipe, and they have chosen this point purposely.

The Y-pipe joint/clamp/gasket was made this way for a reason. BRP was aware that the gaskets would wear out, that's why they made inspection and replacement part of their maintenance schedule. They only failed in the engineering of their gaskets, which fail prematurely. Use of the Honda gaskets will cure the problem simply and cheaply. I would pass on the Rube Goldberg repairs, and install the Honda gaskets.

 

[nudle]

:agree:

 

[Firefly]

Just switch to the Honda gaskets--- problem solved.

 

[boborgera]

Y gaskets seem to be a common issue with Spyders. Knowing only enough to be dangerous I have the following idea an am looking for feedback while I get the stuff together to try it-

Rather than dropping the exhaust and replacing the gaskets I came up with the idea to remove the clamps and replace them with a layer of pipe wrap and a wide exhaust clamp to tighten (and seal) the joint.

It seems almost too easy but something I'm willing to try.

Any thoughts? Concerns? Praise for such a spectacular idea!?

:dontknow:
Hey go for it, Who knows maybe it will work for you.???

P/S I used the Honda gaskets less than 12 dollars, and 20 minutes work.

 

[M2Wild]

Only 20 minutes? Dang ... you work fast.

 

[boborgera]

Only 20 minutes? Dang ... you work fast.

Have to i'm, left handed if i take my time to study any job i'll wind up doing it backwards.nojoke

 

[woodchuck]

left handed

Have to i'm, left handed if i take my time to study any job i'll wind up doing it backwards.nojoke

A friend of mine is left handed. He said that a left handed person uses the right side of the mind. While a right handed person uses the left side of his mind. Therefore a left handed person is the only person in his right mind.:2thumbs: :agree: