Exhaust Gaskets & Seals
About Exhaust Gaskets & Seals
An exhaust gasket seals the joint where the pipe meets the cylinder head or exhaust port, so hot gas goes down the pipe and not into the air around the engine. A leaking joint shows up as soot around the flange, a ticking or popping sound and sometimes lost power. Because gaskets crush when tightened, they are best replaced every time the pipe comes off.
Listings here are mostly gasket kits named for a make, such as Honda, Polaris, Yamaha, or Kawasaki and Suzuki, plus single gaskets, such as one for Polaris and one for Arctic Cat, Honda and Yamaha. Choose a kit if your engine has more than one joint to seal, and a single gasket if only one needs replacing. Check that the listing names your machine and year, because port shapes and bolt patterns vary. Clean the old gasket material from the mating surface before the new one goes on, and tighten the fasteners evenly to the figure in your manual.
Brands in this category include S&S Cycle, Cometic, Moose Offroad, James Gasket and Vesrah. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. The other parts of the joint are Exhaust Pipes & Tips, Manifolds & Headers and Clamps, Flanges, Hangers & Hardware. The full group is Exhaust & Emission Systems.
FAQs on UTV and ATV exhaust gaskets
How can I tell if an exhaust gasket is leaking?
Signs of a leaking exhaust gasket are black soot streaks around the joint and a ticking or popping sound from that area. A leak can also reduce performance. Keep hands clear of the pipe while the engine runs, since it gets very hot.
Can I reuse an exhaust gasket?
It is better not to. Gaskets crush and harden with heat, so a used one often will not seal again. Reusing one risks a leak and a second teardown, so fit a new one whenever the pipe comes off.
Is a gasket kit better than a single gasket?
A kit is useful when your engine has several joints to seal, since it includes the gaskets for each. A single gasket is enough when only one joint needs replacing. Read the listing to see what is included for your machine.
How tight should the exhaust fasteners be?
Tighten them evenly in small steps, working across the flange, to the specification in your service manual. Uneven or excessive tightening can warp the flange or strip the threads. Some makers advise rechecking after the first few heat cycles, so check the manual.
How do I find the right gasket for my machine?
Match the make, model and year. Listings here are named for makes such as Honda, Yamaha, Polaris and Kawasaki. Use the Ride Finder or your manual to confirm, because even similar engines can use different gasket shapes.
