georgekathe wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:04:agree with Greg about tightenning down header bolts to correct torque (another reson to get Clymers!) though he may be right to say why change gasket so much I think it is worth spending a mere $4 to buy new one when taking off header to get the new muffler on (well, I had to take my header off to get muffler on & put in new gasket to obviate one possible place for exhaust leak & resulting backfire anyway!)
Now, maybe I've just been lucky, but the reason I said that about the gasket is as follows....
In 7 years, I've installed a SuperTrapp and a Raask exhaust, plus with various projects like removing the head (2 times), painting the engine, and stripping the bike down for welding and painting the frame...(that's at least 6 times that I've removed the header)...I have only had one exhaust gasket. The original stock one.
This time I'm buying a new one, because I had to trash it to grind the exhaust ports.
I think the trick is to tighten it good and snug when it's cold. Then run it good and hot. And then retighten it good when it's cold again. If it ever leaks, then you'll blow the gasket out. Just don't let that happen.
Just my technique, is all.