Reusing Cometics

Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 02:35 PM

If your going to reuse Cometics, should you resurface your aluminum heads or is that not necessary?

Anyone had issue trying to reuse Cometics?

I don't feel any grooves or indention in the heads caused from the Cometics so I guess it just flatens out the raised sealing rings on the Cometics (I was mistakingly thinking it would leave grooves in the heads like when you O-ring the block).

I've got both of my motors apart (Abbey's and mine), her Cometics are new from last year. Mine are about 3 years old.

Not sure I really want to take a chance but considering it so I wanted to get some opinions from you guys.

Posted By: Big Squeeze

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 03:10 PM

Just clean the gaskets and heads and bolt it back together......

Posted By: roadhazard

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 03:23 PM

Quote:

Just clean the gaskets and heads and bolt it back together......

and make sure they go back on with the same orientation that they came off. I'm on my 3rd reuse. No spray copper or any sealers, just bolted on

I like the ability reuse gaskets and that's why I chose the materials that I use to make my gaskets with

Posted By: Irun5snd8th

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 04:47 PM

I spray mine with copper but I have reused a set 4 times at over 12:1 compression on alcohol

Posted By: racerx

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 05:26 PM

Quote:

I spray mine with copper but I have reused a set 4 times at over 12:1 compression on alcohol

y the copper spray just curious?

Posted By: d7cook

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 05:43 PM

I reuse them 3 times. Clean the block/heads and the surface of the gasket. Some people drill out the rivets and clean between the individual gaskets but I do not. I wipe them down with thinner which removes what's left of the factory rubber coating, then give them a light spray with copper gasket sealer to seal the water passages and back on they go.

Posted By: robnbird

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 06:39 PM

Quote:

Just clean the gaskets and heads and bolt it back together......

do not

use a cleaner like carburetor cleaner to clean the gasket. most gaskets have a very thin layer of silicon on the outer surface of the gaskets and some cleaners will wrinkle the sealer.

Posted By: Cab_Burge

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 06:58 PM

I have reused then several times, with (on customers motors that wanted them sprayed with Copper Coat and Hylomar) and without spraying sealer on them . I don't use any sealer on them on my own motors

As already said keep them pointed up on the same side they came off of and go for it

Posted By: 440lebaron

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 07:36 PM

hello,
anyone want to buy a set for .060 over 440 .049 thick, i will not reused them.
pm me
gary

Posted By: roadhazard

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 08:35 PM

Quote:

hello,
anyone want to buy a set for .060 over 440 .049 thick, i will not reused them.
pm me
gary

Sure......do "your" heads and block come with them

Posted By: POS Dakota

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 09:37 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Just clean the gaskets and heads and bolt it back together......

and make sure they go back on with the same orientation that they came off. I'm on my 3rd reuse. No spray copper or any sealers, just bolted on

I like the ability reuse gaskets and that's why I chose the materials that I use to make my gaskets with

You make head gaskets?

Posted By: Irun5snd8th

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 09:43 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I spray mine with copper but I have reused a set 4 times at over 12:1 compression on alcohol

y the copper spray just curious?

My deck surface does not meet the smoothness criteria for the gasket. If I dont use the copper they seep water to the outside. That and I wouldnt chance it anyway. Too much trouble to take back apart to save myself 5 minutes of spraying.

Posted By: roadhazard

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/16/12 10:20 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Just clean the gaskets and heads and bolt it back together......

and make sure they go back on with the same orientation that they came off. I'm on my 3rd reuse. No spray copper or any sealers, just bolted on

I like the ability reuse gaskets and that's why I chose the materials that I use to make my gaskets with

You make head gaskets?

No Sir,
Just the soft gaskets like valve cover, intake, oil pan, timing cover, etc, etc.

Posted By: racerx

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/17/12 04:10 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I spray mine with copper but I have reused a set 4 times at over 12:1 compression on alcohol

y the copper spray just curious?

My deck surface does not meet the smoothness criteria for the gasket. If I dont use the copper they seep water to the outside. That and I wouldnt chance it anyway. Too much trouble to take back apart to save myself 5 minutes of spraying.

I understand now Thax.......

Posted By: 70satelliteguy

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/17/12 06:23 PM

Just to let everyone know, I usually use my Cometics several times without issues,spraying them with coppercoat just as insurance.
This year after 3 uses I decided to replace them just as a regular part of my refreshening my motor. I ordered the Mr. Gasket ones which are supposed to be just repackaged Cometics.
The packaging specifically say's to "NOT COAT the gaskets,just clean and bolt on. I decided that I was gona spray them anyway cuz I always do!!!
I don't know if they just changed things or what but the surface of the gaskets are now kind of shiny and will not accept a spray of coppercoat.

After drying it easily comes off even with gentle handling!(I did clean them first)
So I installed them with out any coppercoat this year for the first time and will keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

Mike

Posted By: an8sec70cuda

Re: Reusing Cometics - 01/17/12 07:00 PM

The Cometics also say not to use any coating/spray on them, but myself and everyone I know spray them w/ coppercoat.