cookstar

iTrader: (6)

It appears that I have a blow on my bug WRX uppipe. looks to be the actual pipe that that is blowing.

Both the gaskets are genuine and only a couple of days old, if I swop the pipe can I reuse the gaskets?

I only ask as a friend has a pipe and I was hoping to fit it Monday morning, but wont have chance to get new gaskets in time.

rb5 stu

I would get new genuine ones. Once they are crushed into place they are sealed and if you use them again they wont seal the same. If it was easier to change you could risk it but you wouldnt want to build it all up only to find its still blowing.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

Agreed, I understand it to be a bit of a pig to do, and don't fancy doing it twice.

Oh well looks like it'll have to wait.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

I'm guessing I'll need a DP to turbo gasket to then? As I understand it the downpipe needs to come off to get to up pipe bolts.

boosted

I generally re use them, turbo gasket too. But it is important to make an assessment of gasket condition first.
Recently put a new turbo-DP gasket on my car as it had been used six or more times, wasn't in it's best state any more!
Although my uppipe and exhaust manifold gaskets looked ok, so I just re used them, been fine for over a year now/8000 miles/1.5 bar boost etc.
It's a judgement call, if you don't feel comfortable making the call just buy new.
I'll have your two day old gaskets

jazzyjembreaze

iTrader: (11)

Allways replace with new , why?
Well re- bolting everything back up just to see it still blown .
Only to start off & do the job again . Isn't worth the hassle or the time lost IMO

boosted

As I said it depends if you are able to make the judgement call,
The job has just been done once already.
Two flat surfaces with a brand new (used) metal shim gasket should pose no problems to a competent mechanic.

boosted

A lot of turbo-manifold installations I have done do not even get a gasket. No gasket at all. Clean and flat is the key.

johned

Recently changed my up pipe and it is awkward but used new gaskets and fitted a quality slip joint up pipe as the one i took off was blowing and messing up the running of the car also the one i took off was an ebay special with a bore diameter big enough to put my big head in and this also messed up the running of the car.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

Just to be clear, the only reason I asked the question was because I was hoping to use my mates ramp Monday morning and would be unable to get gaskets in time, not to try and save money.

If it was a next week job, I'd get them just to be on the safe side.

FMJ

iTrader: (2)

I have reused genuine Subaru gaskets over and over. No issues what so ever in tens of thousands on miles of driving on them. Things like rubber gaskets I would replace but these metal ones unless they are ruined are generally fine. Aftermarket ones however fall to pieces and should be binned. Your experiences may vary.... but I have saved hundreds on gaskets over the years with no ill effect.

scooby87

iTrader: (5)

I have to agree with this and also with boosted above...

Turbotits

iTrader: (2)

^^^^ as above Ive reused the genuine stuff over and over.

I'm confident you wont need to replace them again

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

I think I'll give it a go then. I guess new ones can just be slipped in if they do blow afterwards?

Henrik

iTrader: (5)

No, studs will be in the way unless you physically move the turbo (which you cannot do without taking all the bits off, basically, unless you've got flexible water and oil lines.
You also cannot get to all the nuts on the up-pipe without first removing the downpipe.

I've re-used MLS exhaust gaskets a number of times without any problems. The only ones I've had problems with are the aluminium "dimpled" looking ones - they get crushed when tightened

FMJ

iTrader: (2)

Yep ali dimpled are the ones that I have had fall apart. They are generally IMO one use only.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

Must resist..... Goes against the grain refitting a pipe with a cat in it.

I will keep this one standard.

gussy

iTrader: (2)

cookstar I have reused gaskets loads of times but on my new build I have used OEM new gaskets but due to the work I had done I have also made some copper gaskets and softened them just incase the OEM ones dont seal (Copper will seal) and can be used again and again and again

boosted

Ahhhhh niel

gussy

iTrader: (2)

correct

boosted

You must operate a water jetter or something

gussy

iTrader: (2)

No I don't im afraid, handy with a file and burr cutters

boosted

Copper is horrible to cut and file!
I used to have access to a water jetter, was good for getting copper gaskets etc made.
I have milled them out too.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

Absolutely agree, if it were a build up it'd be hew all the way. This is however a cheap bug WRX I've bought tomsmokevaround in through the winter.

cookstar

iTrader: (6)

Well that's not a job I'd chose to do again.

Up pipe leak solved after much swearing at metal pipes. Slight boost leak now but ill take a peek in the morning.