Topic: Do I need exhaust gaskets??

[jt1000]

I disassembled my aftermarket 2 into 1 pipes the other day off my 72 cb500 four, and noticed there were no o-ring gaskets.  I'm not too familiar with exhaust systems, but do I need the brass O-ring gaskets between the header pipes and the engine.  All that was on there were the collars with a 2-piece sleeve.  Sorry if this is vague....

[squirley]

If you want to prevent exhaust leak you do. 
Your current set up may have the brass gaskets, sometimes they get covered up by the exhaust crud.  Stick a screw driver in there and see if you can pull them out as they often get squished in tightly.

[Johnny5]

Yeah, I bet they are in there. Hard to see because they flatten like a washer and covered in black goodness.

[Gordon]

Several bikes I've owned have had two sets of exhaust gaskets installed because the PO apparently didn't think it had them already.  Like has been said, they get flattened and carbon covered so it can easily look like there's nothing there.

[jt1000]

I'll check tonight to see.  I have some so won't be a problem to install.  I'm getting a weird noise out of the front of my engine during acceleration, almost like a squeaky putter-for maybe 1/4 to 1/2 a second.  I'm wondering if it could be an exhaust leak from NOT having properly fitted gaskets??