Head pipe copper crush washer

[MtnMan]

Hello,

I am in the process of re-installing the exhaust on my 1981 GL1100 after removing it to get better access to the oil strainer cover.

I got new copper crush washers and wanted to install them, but when I look into the "outlet" I am not sure if there are any old washers in there:



I tried to carefully pry out what looks like an old "crushed" crush washer, but it does not move. Should they come out easily, is there a trick?

Thank you!
Armin

 

[zman]

Sure looks like there is still one in there. They get carbon deposits built up and nearly become part of the head. I use an angled dental type pick to get between the head and washer and pry them out, If you have a small screwdriver you can put a bend on it and see if that will work, I usually go to the dollar store and find tools I can bend easily for situation like this.

 

[Steve83]

Yeah, it's in there. In the upper left of your pic, just behind the stud, is an opening for the spark plug drain hole. With a thin screwdriver or a pick, you can get under the washer and pry it out. Just be careful with the soft aluminum!!!

 

[Omega Man]

Careful if using a screwdriver, I chipped part of the flange off one of my exhaust ports when I changed the exhaust gaskets on the 1100 I used to have.

~O~

 

[MtnMan]

Thank you very much for your helpful advice! Is there a chance that the old washers still seal or is it pretty much mandatory to use new ones?

Armin

 

[Steve83]

I've had good luck reusing them. The one in your pic looks pretty good, it's worth a try...

 

[toytender01]

Maybe, Maybe not. it is best to use new

 

[ekvh]

Same size as many import cars of that era. From NGW crossreference:
Copper Squash Gaskets (exhaust header) - 1000, 1100, 1200
NAPA; Fel-Pro part number 60567 or 12-1002. The automotive applications are 1976-84 Honda 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 liter 4 cylinder engines. May also fit some 1991-95 Nissan 4 cylinders.

 

[AApple]

I'm on the fence on this one. When I pulled the engine for the stator swap, I re-used the old seals, and dint have a leak issue. Shortly after that, I pulled the heads, and when I went back, I dug out two sets of seals from both heads, and installed new ones(only one in each hole)......and both sides leak now. :Awe: I bought another set of seals to put in, but just haven't gotten around to installing them. When I do, Imma gunna put the new ones right on top of the old ones. I think the flanges of the pipes have probably bent over the years, so they may not be pulling the pipe up tight to the head....and thus the need for two sets of seals.
Thass my story, and I'm stickin wid it.... :wave:

 

[Steve83]

Hey, whatever works!

 

[brianinpa]

Steve83 » Sun Aug 04, 2013 10:42 pm[/url]":2umj16i9]
I've had good luck reusing them. The one in your pic looks pretty good, it's worth a try...

+1

I have reused them when I knew that i would be pulling the mufflers again in a few weeks, but when I knew that I was putting the mufflers back on for good, I changed them and used new ones.

To the OP... nothing ventured nothing gained, but you mention that you have new gaskets on hand. I'd change them.

 

[BikerJoe]

AApple » August 5th, 2013, 12:29 pm[/url]":2qswwzd7]
I'm on the fence on this one. When I pulled the engine for the stator swap, I re-used the old seals, and dint have a leak issue. Shortly after that, I pulled the heads, and when I went back, I dug out two sets of seals from both heads, and installed new ones(only one in each hole)......and both sides leak now. :Awe: I bought another set of seals to put in, but just haven't gotten around to installing them. When I do, Imma gunna put the new ones right on top of the old ones. I think the flanges of the pipes have probably bent over the years, so they may not be pulling the pipe up tight to the head....and thus the need for two sets of seals.
Thass my story, and I'm stickin wid it.... :wave:

+1 :good:

 

[BikerJoe]

MtnMan » August 4th, 2013, 7:32 pm[/url]":hsuguzzy]
Hello,

I am in the process of re-installing the exhaust on my 1981 GL1100 after removing it to get better access to the oil strainer cover.

I got new copper crush washers and wanted to install them, but when I look into the "outlet" I am not sure if there are any old washers in there:



I tried to carefully pry out what looks like an old "crushed" crush washer, but it does not move. Should they come out easily, is there a trick?

Thank you!


Armin

Id stick the new set right over tha old ones.

 

[ekvh]

The above pic shows a slot near the stud designed to allow a pick or tool to pry them out.

 

[Ansimp]

ekvh » Fri Oct 14, 2016 10:18 am[/url]":3bh3yog7]
The above pic shows a slot near the stud designed to allow a pick or tool to pry them out.

:good: