Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets?

Posted By: VITC_GTX

Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 05:12 AM

Installed and torqued heads on my 383 last week using composite head gaskets. I need to remove the heads to do some work on the valves. Can I reuse the gaskets since the engine hasn't been run?

Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 05:26 AM

Not a dumb Q at all just unfortunate circumstances. Myself I would spring for a set of new ones

Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 05:56 AM

I would still use them. I have had this happen before and have never had a head gasket failure.
I once had a GM 350. Upon torquing the very last head bolt, the threads stripped out. I knew that it would need a Helicoil or something like it, so I pulled both heads so the engine would be light enough for me and my brother to hand load it into my truck! I reused the gaskets and had no problems.
Other times I had the heads on and then had a moment of panic..."Did i put the pistons in with the valve reliefs pointing the right direction?"
Once again, no troubles.

Posted By: 1_WILD_RT

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 05:59 AM

I too have gotten away with it, to be save I did spray them with a couple passes of Permatex Copper Coat...

Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 06:09 AM

I guess the Permatex may be added insurance, but for some reason, and I must just be lucky, I never have used the stuff. I currently have an aluminum headed 440 stroked to 493. Dry Fel Pro perma-torque gaskets torqued to Edelbrock specs.

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 07:37 AM

Quote:

Installed and torqued heads on my 383 last week using composite head gaskets. I need to remove the heads to do some work on the valves. Can I reuse the gaskets since the engine hasn't been run?

I've reused the Fel Pro 8519PT composite head gaskets on more than one motor after dyno testing them. I've pulled the heads and oil pan to look at the piston flame travel and check the rod and main bearings, go for it

I have a SB Chevy motor in the shop right now that has a special set of Fel Pro head gaskets that require a .010 deep reciever groove in the heads for the lockring wire in the head gaskets, this motor has a 6:71 roots blower on it and is street driven. I had the heads cut to raise the mechanical compression ratio from 7.5 to 8.3 to 1, that removed the original receiver groove and the shop that did that work didn't machine them back in. I didn't notice that it had them originally, long story on this minor rebuild

I took them back off after reading the instruction that come with the head gaskets to get them machined, I sure hope the gaskets work correctly now

Posted By: 52savoy

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 07:48 AM

I wouldn't worry about it. I've reused shim gaskets and they held up.

currently..I have to take a new motor apart that has COMETIC's and will keep them in place.

X

Posted By: Chargerfan

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 01:35 PM

I've done it on a 350. Just torqued them a couple more ft lbs than it called for. Those were just Felpro gaskets.

Posted By: DAYCLONA

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 06:20 PM

I always subscribe to the motto: "better safe than sorry", toss them in the trash, start fresh...

Posted By: topside

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 11:42 PM

"Manliest Response" so far goes to Frankenduster: 2 guys lifting a complete short-block into a pick-up?!

I probably couldn't carry your sandwich, sir.

Posted By: mikemee1331

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/28/12 11:55 PM

Quote:

"Manliest Response" so far goes to Frankenduster: 2 guys lifting a complete short-block into a pick-up?!

I probably couldn't carry your sandwich, sir.

i've gotta second that! that's some 'studly' stuff right there. (p.s. - i would spring for a new set simply out of the aggrevation factor of having to tear it all down yet again)

Posted By: Dcuda69

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 12:11 AM

I lost a cam after 800 mi in my 470" low deck. Disassembled cleaned installed new cam(roller this time

)and reinstalled original head gaskets(Fel-pro). It's still fine 3+ yrs and a few thousand miles later. Go for it

Posted By: charles6970

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 12:42 AM

the people that would not reuse them are the people that have more $$$
than common sense.

theres nothing wrong with them if you haven't run the engine.

Posted By: 500ciDuster

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 01:57 AM

With no heat cycles I think it would be just fine but make sure it goes backe where it came from, don't swap sides

Mitch

Posted By: m88mark

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 03:04 AM

Back in the day when my diet cosisted of ramen noodles & brown derby beer, I did it all the time. Sprayed with silver paint & bolted back on. I'd do it again with a 10:1 motor, Mark

Posted By: Supercuda

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 03:23 AM

Quote:

the people that would not reuse them are the people that have more $$$
than common sense.

theres nothing wrong with them if you haven't run the engine.

Common sense? You have a funny definition.

I have reused steel shim gaskets (with copper coat) back in my no $$$$ days and they worked, mostly. Had one blow out between two cylinders.

Lots of common sense used up that day pulling the heads and intake (all cast iron) with the engine in the car cause I save a few $$$ by reusing head gaskets.

Common sense tells me that if you don't want to chance having to pull the heads off with the engine in the car buy new gaskets. That said, I doubt the OP would have an issue with never fired composite head gaskets.

BTW, the most expensive composite head gasket listed at Rock Auto is $48. Not $$$ when considering the back strain involved in doing it again.

Posted By: VITC_GTX

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 03:36 AM

Good responses from all. I appreciate the opinions.

I was lucky in the fact that I didn't have to remove the heads after all.

Posted By: gdonovan

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 03:37 AM

Quote:

"Manliest Response" so far goes to Frankenduster: 2 guys lifting a complete short-block into a pick-up?!

I probably couldn't carry your sandwich, sir.

"Back in the day" I loaded shortblocks into car trunks, alone.

No wonder my back is poop now!

Posted By: Kern Dog

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 10:40 PM

Quote:

"Manliest Response" so far goes to Frankenduster: 2 guys lifting a complete short-block into a pick-up?!

I probably couldn't carry your sandwich, sir.

Well, it was only a small block Chevy....
Working as a Carpenter means lifting heavy things daily. Thanks for the nice words though!

Posted By: cageman

Re: Dumb question. Reuse new head gaskets? - 12/29/12 11:23 PM

I have a set of cometic head gaskets I have reused 10 times since 2004 when I bought them. I love those things.

Just mark which side is up and which side is r or l and reuse them.