Bakelite flange??? Donut Gasket(SOLVED)

[BomberJohn]

One of my coworkers, knowing I spend a lot of time identifying dug up objects, asked if I could help ID this item. At first we assumed it was aluminum because it is extremely light. But it doesn't shine when I cut into it. We now believe it is Bakelite because it is non-conductive. The color is the same as I cut into it also. Inside is so rusted iron in a slot. Any thoughts

Thanks!
HH
John

 

[johnnyi]

Re: Bakelite flange

John, the antique car guys would know better than me, but it looks like an exhaust flange (seal) of some kind....doubt if it's bakelite. A graphite coated donut gasket... final answer.

 

[BomberJohn]

Re: Bakelite flange

Aluminum would be conductive. Guess it could be coated.

Also, the place it was found is a back yard that was once farm land and it has railroad tracks running by it.

 

[johnnyi]

Re: Bakelite flange

John here's link which mentions graphite coated gaskets and shows a donut gasket. It's only the interior groove which makes your friend's harder to identify specifically, as it seems to have been formed over the piece of probably exhaust pipe. http://www.ttiexhaust.com/Gaskets/Gaskets.htm

 

[72cheyenne]

Re: Bakelite flange

Definately a donut gasket for a vehicle exhaust system. Some exhaust donuts have a steel insert pressed inside of them which would account for the rust. My 72 chevy has donuts just like that.

 

[BomberJohn]

Re: Bakelite flange Donut gasket (SOLVED)

Thanks johnnyvi and 72cheyenne! Looks like you've solved it. Thanks.

John