Is there any way of telling if there's an exhaust gasket fitted in the head, without having to rotate the engine and take the pipes off. Bike seems to be running fine, still returning 55mpg, no lack of power, and I can't feel any blowing from around the pipe.

Only reason I'm wondering if theres a gasket in there is that I had to put new retainer rings on the pipes, bought new gaskets to go in. I know I took the old gasket out, and cleaned around the head, but I messed up the studs and had to send the bike away to have the studs replaced. I thought I'd put the new gasket in, but clearing the garage today I found 2 gaskets on the floor. 1 clearly old, and the other looked pretty new but a bit squashed so wondering if I took it back out for some reason and am now running without 1?

Thanks.

I'm sure you'd be able to tell if one was missing. It'd blow like hell and there would be carbon deposits all round the clamping flange

Thanks, that's what I was thinking, but I can't figure out where this other gasket has come from. It sounds a bit like it might not be sealed quite right, but can't feel anything, and no carbon deposits. Got a trip in 3 weeks, might leave it til after then, and then have a check.

Cheers.

Handfull of dust thrown at the flange with the engine running. If it blows back in your face, there's a leak.

Stethoscope (technically not, but a 'hearing tube'...) ... a length of screenwash size pipe stuck in one ear and the other wafted around the general area... you'll soon know if it's leaking! And if it's not, why worry?

_________________
'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.