Has anyone tried to reuse a Head Gasket

[Mordan]

Hello

I want to try it. for the sake of the experiment. the headgasket is perfect condition.. Top brand. was used for 2000 miles. I don't understand how it would fail me.
had to remove the head because of a bad head job by the machine shop.

[mzarifkar]

Hello

because of a bad head job by the machine shop.

[shogun]

http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showt...eadgasket+seal

[whiskychaser]

My understanding is that if its a composite gasket you should throw it away. But if its a metal one you may be able to re-use it. Not sure how you clean the oil and crap off it and make it sit exactly where it was before though TBH I'd use a new one whatever it type it was. Wish you success with the experiment!

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

No

once it has been torqued down, it is done and needs to be replaced along with the bolts.

[Mordan]

My understanding is that if its a composite gasket you should throw it away. But if its a metal one you may be able to re-use it. Not sure how you clean the oil and crap off it and make it sit exactly where it was before though TBH I'd use a new one whatever it type it was. Wish you success with the experiment!

thx.

yea it is a big fat hard metal one. Goetze brand. The gasket I received from the machine shop is thinner, composite and bends. The used one does not.

the head has not been resurfaced.. just the exhaust seats were changed.

I have new bolts though. It is not that I'm cheap. Money is not a problem and I have another head gasket. I just really want to learn if it is possible and reliable.

[Ross]

My understanding is that if its a composite gasket you should throw it away. But if its a metal one you may be able to re-use it. Not sure how you clean the oil and crap off it and make it sit exactly where it was before though TBH I'd use a new one whatever it type it was. Wish you success with the experiment!

I've seen guys re-anneal copper head gaskets and reuse them on motorcycles.
Anything with a steel fire ring is junk once used.
Don't even think of it.

[whiskychaser]

thx.

yea it is a big fat hard metal one. Goetze brand. The gasket I received from the machine shop is thinner, composite and bends. The used one does not.

the head has not been resurfaced.. just the exhaust seats were changed.

I have new bolts though. It is not that I'm cheap. Money is not a problem and I have another head gasket. I just really want to learn if it is possible and reliable.

What do Goetze say about re-using the HG? Yeah they are in the business of selling them so I doubt they will say yes. But is it worth asking the question? You can re-use some Cosworth steel HGs. The caveat being this is something I wouldnt do!