Best way to remove copper exhaust port gaskets, Is there a trick to it? Installing new exhaust system Options

[Beebo Kanelle]

Got my old system out. and all the copper exhaust port gaskets remain on the heads. Looking for any guidance / leadership / hints / tricks before I start wailing on them.

thanks in advance

[forrestkhaag]

and just to close on this one, .... when installing your new copper gaskets, consider placing the annealed copper gaskets on your exhaust pipe ends, then use blue tape or any good tape to afix them to the exhaust pipe in their correct alignment with the pipe and head, then trim any and all tape from the mating surfaces, then raise the header or HE and gently tighten each copper nut.. the tape goes away with the first use and the copper gasket stays with you as you fit them to the head.

Sidebar: (Bruce Stone) Annealing the gaskets prior to installation softens them to the extent that they will allow the proper torque to seal against exhaust leaks without pulling a stud. simply heat them up with a torch, and drop them off of your coat-hanger wire hook into tap water. the properties of the copper are instantly changed from a "ping" sound at a 6" drop / to a thump... soft metal......... cheers