Thermal Reactors
 

I finally got my thermal reactors off. Wow what a chore getting exhaust nuts off.
Inside thermal reactors is sleeves that fit 3/8" approx. up into exaust port.
Do I need to keep the sleeves in place when using thermal reactor replacements? I bent two of the sleeves when I dropped the thermal reactor when removing. The only thing I can think they are for is to help with exhaust leaks at the gaskets.
Any ideas?

I used SSI thick flange that come with sleeves for an SC

those sleeves can't hurt