can I reuse my head gasket or should I replace it after pulling my head?

-Ry

 

 

I'm having a valve job done by a friend (and excellent mechanic) today--the only one I trust if it isn't me working on the car myself (been too busy lately). I'll ask him tonight and post what he says. If memory serves though, the helms manual says to inspect the head gasket and replace it if necessary, implying that you may be able to reuse it. Personally, I'd stay on the proactive/safe side and just replace the thing (15-30 bucks?).

My two cents, anyway.

 

its not the cost thats the issue its time. the old gasket looks just fine.

 

this is a very good question.I wanna know too....
I guess many people say no only because they dont wanna end up reinstalling the head after they find that the gasket is leaking.....

 

the head gasket cost more than $150

 

I don't think any self respecting mechanic would re use a head gasket.

ron

 

You will be better off replacing the gasket.

The gaskets (typically) take a "set" from their new-unused thickness when the head is torqued down - what's happening is the gasket is actually being crushed between the head and block and in turn causing a good seal everywhere.

A used gasket has the 'set' from the first use and therefore won't take the crush (compressing) that is necessary like a new gasket will give you.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it

Erik

 

I tend to agree with this. I've never seen a reputable shop re-use one.

If you're taking the head off alreay then there's no time savings by not replacing it, unless you're talking about the time involved in waiting for a replacement to arrive.

 

I would never ever recommend reusing old gaskets, if I did I would be your enemy. Its not worth it, just buy a new one. Old gaskets set when you torque them down and putting it back on you are prone to combustion chamber leaks and antifreeze leaks.