Exhaust Gasket (Graphite) | Honda CB350 / CB360 / CL450

Description

Graphite Exhaust Gasket | Honda CB350 / CB360 / CL450

Chances are the exhaust gasket between your pipe and muffler is either missing or barely holding together. When it fails, exhaust gases escape at the joint before reaching the muffler — you’ll hear a popping or ticking sound near the pipe-to-muffler connection and see black carbon deposits around the joint. An exhaust leak at this location can also make carburetor tuning inconsistent.

Why You Need This

This graphite replacement gasket seals the joint between the exhaust pipe and the muffler on your CB350, CL350, CB360, CL360, or CL450. It compresses and conforms to both the pipe end and muffler inlet surfaces when you tighten the joint, creating a tight seal that restores proper back pressure. If you’re replacing your mufflers this is a must-have addition, but even if you’re just getting your factory exhaust system running right, a fresh set of gaskets makes a real difference.

Fit a fresh one any time that joint comes apart. A graphite gasket takes a set the first time you crush it, so it only seals properly on the install it was squashed for.

Specifications

Note: Sold individually — you need TWO to replace both sides. CL350, CL360, and CL450 owners running the stock scrambler exhaust only need ONE, because one of the exhaust pipes is welded directly to the muffler on CL models.

Note: The CJ360, CB450, and CB500T use a larger diameter exhaust pipe and require a different graphite gasket — see our CJ360 / CB450 / CB500T Exhaust Gasket.

Installation

Difficulty: Beginner

Tools needed: 12mm wrench or socket, flathead screwdriver, wire brush

1. Unbolt the 12mm nuts on each exhaust flange at the cylinder head and the mounting nuts on the back of the mufflers. Slide the pipe and muffler assembly off the bike.
2. Separate the muffler from the pipe. The old gasket sits inside the muffler inlet — it may be covered in carbon and hard to see at first.
3. Pry out the old gasket with a small flathead screwdriver. Clean the mating surfaces on both the pipe end and the muffler inlet with a wire brush until they’re free of carbon and debris.
4. Slide the new graphite gasket onto the end of the exhaust pipe.
5. Reassemble the pipe and muffler, then reinstall the assembly on the bike. Snug the mounting nuts — don’t over-tighten. The graphite compresses and conforms to seal the joint. Crush it too far and you’ll end up with leaky pipes.

Clean the mating surfaces thoroughly before installing the new gasket. Carbon buildup on the pipe or muffler inlet prevents the graphite from making a proper seal.