reusing headgaskets
06-17-2004, 06:17 PM
#13
If you are desperate (race weekend rebuilds). The metal head gaskets like the F20C can be reused provided that both the block and head surfaces are untouched. I've done this many times on Toyota engines as the TRD gaskets can be hard to source. I normally spray them with a copper coloured spray called Copper Coat which helps replace the original black polymer coating.
In a road car I would recommend a new gasket to avoid that one in ten time when a second hand gasket may cause a problem.
Speedracer.
In a road car I would recommend a new gasket to avoid that one in ten time when a second hand gasket may cause a problem.
Speedracer.
06-18-2004, 12:03 PM
#14
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Alright,
Here was the answer from my mechanic--the head gasket seal is a round rubber one that he said looked in excellent shape and still was very pliable, so he reused it. I asked him about the smashed gasket concerns listed in some of the above replies, and he told me that with the shape my gasket was in, if the head leaks, he'll replace it free of charge. Again, this guy really knows his stuff (has numerous track cars and bikes in excellent shape, not a bad driver either).
Anyone who has done a valve job themselves out there (xviper?) can add to this?
Here was the answer from my mechanic--the head gasket seal is a round rubber one that he said looked in excellent shape and still was very pliable, so he reused it. I asked him about the smashed gasket concerns listed in some of the above replies, and he told me that with the shape my gasket was in, if the head leaks, he'll replace it free of charge. Again, this guy really knows his stuff (has numerous track cars and bikes in excellent shape, not a bad driver either).
Anyone who has done a valve job themselves out there (xviper?) can add to this?
06-18-2004, 12:47 PM
#17
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The head gasket isn't $150, it's more like $70. The dealer was quoting you a price for the head gasket set, which is everything above (and including) the head gasket. I just picked a new head gasket up for $65.
Replace is Rylan, I think it's worth the peace of mind. I showed my gasket to Joe Alaniz and he said even though it looks okay, it's a lot safer to replace it. And mine was only ~7K old.
Replace is Rylan, I think it's worth the peace of mind. I showed my gasket to Joe Alaniz and he said even though it looks okay, it's a lot safer to replace it. And mine was only ~7K old.
06-18-2004, 01:10 PM
#18
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better to stay on the side of caution and replace it. It will also give you more peace of mind. The old one may be fine, but if it isnt, youll regret this for a long time.
06-18-2004, 01:52 PM
#20
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I'll be pulling the motor again in a few months so doing it again later isn't such a big deal. So I don't mind replaceing the gasket again. I just wanted to get my motor together this weekend, but I have to have it together and in by tuesday.