Are these gaskets re usable?

[Gary Ward]

What do you think? TIA

 

[RyanB]

What do you think? TIA

As cheap as they are from Spruce, I’d never re-use nor is it recommended.

 

[mondtster]

The center ring stands a bit proud on new gaskets and crushes once the exhaust is torqued down. I’ve never went looking for any information to see if they are reusable or not but I assume they are intended to be single use gaskets.

Whether they are intended to be reused or not, I’ve seen many mechanics successfully reuse them.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

As cheap as they are from Spruce, I’d never re-use nor is it recommended.

It’s probably not cost, but rather schedule (availability, shipping, gotta fly, etc).

 

[AKBill]

Change them, they are considered a one time use item use item.

 

[Clip4]

I would rather do it correctly the first time than have to disassemble to do it correctly lasted.

 

[Gary Ward]

Thanks everyone.
I remove my exhaust about every 200 hrs to anti seize the slip joints which is about every 10 months. So I go through a lot gaskets.
I did reuse those gaskets once last year.
I would not call them cheap as they cost 12.50 each.

They almost still look good to me??

I thought they were "cheap" and ordered the solid copper ones by accident. They were 4 bucks each which is cheaper than 12 bucks each. But I was afraid to use them as my mechanic didn't think much of them. I would think for sure they are a one time gasket
So I ordered the 611 gasket an put new ones on this time. I am flying a 400+ hr motor and don't want to start eroding the exhaust flange on the cly heads. There was no evidence of leakage when I took them off and really wondered if they were designed to be re used a few times since they cost 3 times as much as solid copper?
This exhaust was on my old motor for about 400 hrs.

 

[RyanB]

It’s probably not cost, but rather schedule (availability, shipping, gotta fly, etc).

Spruce has about every make in stock.

 

[Gary Ward]

Spruce has about every make in stock.

Yes Spruce has been a reliable supplier. I order on Monday morning and it get's delivered 48 hrs later about midday Weds most of the time. If it is in a mid west warehouse they get it to me in 48 hrs. I have received stuff the next day without asking for next day. Good company...imo.

 

[Mxfarm]

It’s not worth an exhaust leak to me to reuse.

 

[Gary Ward]

It’s not worth an exhaust leak to me to reuse.

This is what I need to hear...I have agree more I think about.
No one said aircraft maintenance is cheap did they?

 

[RyanB]

It’s not worth an exhaust leak to me to reuse.

This is what I need to hear...I have agree more I think about.
No one said aircraft maintenance is cheap did they?

Yeah, it’s really not worth it to skimp on such a cheap item. Gaskets are disposable and not meant to be reused.

 

[Stewartb]

Buy new no-blow gaskets every time the flanges are loosened. And check your flange nuts as a preflight item. They tend to back off occasionally.

 

[Magman]

Exhaust Leaks WILL erode the Exhaust Port and may not be repairable.

Suggest whatever route you go that you verify no leakage .

Easily accomplished with no disassembly by pressurizing the exhaust with a

vacuum cleaner or leaf blower and soapy water. Assure it’s clean though.

 

[Bell206]

What do you think?

Depends on the type. Some can be reused and others shouldn't be. There are a few references out there. Here's one.
https://www.lycoming.com/sites/default/files/Exhaust Flange Gaskets.pdf

 

[RyanB]

And check your flange nuts as a preflight item.

A bit difficult depending on your cowling design, especially for the taper wing Piper’s with the clamshell cowls.

 

[NordicDave]

These stamped Rapco Stainless crush gaskets are first rate. Stack a couple of them and they never leak. They hold up beautifully in my turbo engine and never leak.

Available for various Continental & Lycoming.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/08-05237.php?msclkid=9690e20011c318192a9380eebe7d03bd&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TNT - Shopping - BR - Desktop&utm_term=4580634161251291&utm_content=All Products

 

[Gary Ward]

It’s probably not cost, but rather schedule (availability, shipping, gotta fly, etc).

This was the case last time I lubed the exhaust...

 

[Gary Ward]

Thank you Bell206 and Nordic Dave for posting such useful information. Helps so much.
I kinda suspected that they may be reusable in some people’s opinion (lycoming) I threw away another good set of 611 gaskets a while back, now I wished I would have saved them. Thanks so much for that lycoming link Bell206.
Nordic Dave you stack 2 of these copper ones? No you said stainless. Is that what the lycoming SB is saying? Can you stack 2 copper gaskets?

Makes sense to me 2 would be better than one. appreciate the knowledge you share, thanks.

 

[Wagondriver]

20 hours a month and the cost you are worried about is $50?
200 hours at 8gph, 1600 gallons at $6 per gallon, $9600. If only fuel was still $6.

 

[Gary Ward]

20 a month and the cost you are worried about is $50?
200 hours at 8gph, 1600 gallons at $6 per gallon, $9600. If only fuel was still $6.

Yup I know what you are saying...can’t disagree.
That does not include oil and wear and tear, insurance, hangar, etc.
Still I am cheap enough to reuse them once or twice, got to admit. I’d rather put the 50 bucks in my gas tank.