Reusing gaskets that have been sitting?
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,444
Likes: 9
From: Pompano Beach FL
Reusing gaskets that have been sitting? Hi guys I picked up an 01 ls6 shortblock with 5k miles on it, now it has been sitting for a few years but it has been kept inside. Im going to be throwing it in my camaro with a little hotter cam and 243 heads. I know the gaskets are all supposed to be reusable but I was going to replace them anyway however when I combined all the gaskets together its gonna be 300 bucks just in gaskets. I dont wanna sound cheap but I also dont want to spend money where its not needed will I be ok with reusing the gaskets? Naturally I'll be using new head gaskets, oil pump ring, and water pump gaskets. But as far as things like the oil pump, crank seals timing cover etc will I be ok even though theyve been sitting with the engine in a garage.
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,444
Likes: 9
From: Pompano Beach FL
Ya seriously, i thought that maybe since there has been no oil around to keep them lubricated the neoprene would dry out over time. But ya i plan on just replacing whats needed and running it.
Hey Guys -- I have a similar situation with a LS2 I picked-up with about 3-2k miles on it. I am also replacing cam and heads and was under the assumption that I should be replacing the gaskets. I pulled the oil pan just to check things out, looked very clean and I was going to replace that gasket as well.
I guess I'm used to the old school 350, 427 engines with old technology gaskets!
Thanks,
Jim
I guess I'm used to the old school 350, 427 engines with old technology gaskets!
Thanks,
Jim
If the cover/pan gaskets dont separate from their metal frame when removed, then reuse them. Intake gaskets are just big o-rings so make sure they're not flattened
About the only things that cant be reused are head gaskets. Older waterpumps use paper gaskets that fall apart, but those are uncommon
About the only things that cant be reused are head gaskets. Older waterpumps use paper gaskets that fall apart, but those are uncommon
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (14)
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4,444
Likes: 9
From: Pompano Beach FL
Thanks guys I'm obviously replacing the vital ones such as the front seal and rear main but the oil pan, timing cover etc all look to be in good shape and the gskket kit is 300. Not trying to sound cheap but when you add all the parts for the motor and these all look new the little **** adds up. Gm manual says theyre reuseable soooo...
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
TECH Addict
iTrader: (41)
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 2
From: Battlecreek, MI / Mansfield, OH
i was in the same boat with my LS3 build, The engine only had 30,000 miles on it, but i said **** it, id rather spend the money on new gaskets than have a hell of a time trying to replace a oil pan gasket or timing cover gasket. Would i have been ok running the used gaskets? probably.
