exhaust gasket for dummies

[EyedocKav]

My breva 750 had an exhaust leak from the left side head.  When I removed the exhaust pipe, the gasket was shot.  Now that I have the new gasket, it has a metal side and and a (cork?) side and no instructions as to which side goes against the head and which side on the pipe.  Anyone know if it matters?  Thanks

[normzone]

Welcome to the forum, [EyedocKav].

I have no idea, but somebody who knows the answer will be along shortly.

[Phang]

I installed it green side facing the head and metal side facing the header but I want to know the correct way.

[organfixsing]

My instinct would be to put the metal side to the head as this is probably the hottest side of the junction, but, I don't really know.
Cheers
Brian 

[Moto Fugazzi]

I would also agree with organfixsing. The flat metal part should fit into the head (they should both be properly machined flat), while the malleable green surface would conform to the pipe a little better. That's my best somewhat educated guess.

Did you remove the old gasket yet? That should be the correct way, assuming they installed it correctly at the factory. But then again, if they installed it properly, you wouldn't have a leak in most cases.
Ken

[pete roper]

Head may be closer to combustion but it is also a much larger heat sink.

To answer the question I don't think it matters terribly.

Pete

[MotoBug]

Softer cork side to the alloy head? To reduce wear on softer hot alloy perhaps.

[Pop]

As usual, all I can offer is bad humor. GREEN SIDE UP!
I only hope that one day I will have some useful info.
Pop

[guzzinka]

As usual, all I can offer is bad humor. GREEN SIDE UP!
I only hope that one day I will have some useful info.
Pop

:1:  That's how I always feel!    Fortunately, bad humor is helpful

[Ncdan]

My thinking would be to replace both at the same time and put one one way and one the other. That way which ever one goes fails first you’ll know the correct method:(

[Orange Guzzi]

It will not matter.  Just the way it is manufactured.  The metal gives the fiber some strength and integrity so it does not crumble and fall out.   I have two per side in my bike, stacked up.  There are various types of gaskets available made in different styles.  Recheck your nuts after a couple of rides.  Fully assemble the exhaust before tightening the various fasteners and clamps.  I work from the head back to the muffler when doing the final tightening. 

[Chuck in Indiana]

Recheck your nuts after a couple of rides.

Uhhh..

[John A]

Be sure none of it is mounted in a bind or it'll crack on ya, most likely at the crossover. Anti-sneeze is your friend. The nickel based silver stuff blends in better if it spreads out of the joint and your concerned about looks.

[EyedocKav]

Update: I first installed it with the metal side on the head and it still leaked.  Took it apart and noticed that there was some soot residue on the head so cleaned that really well, put it back but this time the other way and it held.  Perhaps if I had done a thorough cleaning in the first place it might have worked that way too.  I guess the jury is still out.  Cheers.