Re-use head gasket?

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Oct 4, 2010 | 03:04 PM

357i

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From: Richmond, VA

Re-use head gasket?

I just installed new head gaskets and bolts... long story short one head needs to come back off. I will use new head bolts due to the torque and turn design, but how about the gasket? The engine was not started of filled with coolant.

Thanks

Oct 4, 2010 | 03:21 PM

Grimes

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From: Northern NJ

I would reuse the head gasket.

Oct 4, 2010 | 03:39 PM

94Z28-MSTGKLR

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From: Lacey, WA

I would just get a new one for as inexpensive as they are. Why take the chance on screwing something up down the road and having to pull them off again over a $50 at the most for a head gasket. That's just my .02

Oct 4, 2010 | 03:54 PM

Sales2@Texas-speed

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All you did was clamp down on them....Reuse, no worries! People do this ALL THE TIME when cutting valve reliefs, if they make a similar mistake during install, etc!

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Last edited by Sales2@Texas-speed; Oct 4, 2010 at 04:03 PM.

Oct 4, 2010 | 03:59 PM

Beau@SDPC

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A new set of the GM MLS for an LS1 runs $28. For 2 gaskets. The composite ones run $40. Its not worth the chance of trying to reuse them.

Oct 4, 2010 | 05:36 PM

HotSilverBird

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I'd reuse the bolts too!

Oct 4, 2010 | 05:49 PM

LS1-450

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Since only clamped & not run, spray top & bottom of gasket w/ copper gasket spray & re-use. Copper spray will take care of any flake voids that may have occurred when you pulled the head..

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Oct 4, 2010 | 06:09 PM

sidewayz28

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From: seattle

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABQ99TA

This is the stupidest thing I have read on here in a while. If you used tty bolts buy new ones. Or get ARPs

x2...

Oct 4, 2010 | 06:12 PM

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jmill96Z

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From: Movin' On Up

re-use the gaskets, and use the money towards some head studs. That way you aren't burning money up on TTY bolts

Oct 4, 2010 | 06:14 PM

#11

Beau@SDPC

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From: Lubbock, TX

No need for studs. When bolts are half the price and will work just as well. ARP that is.

Oct 4, 2010 | 06:16 PM

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jimbo98z

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Quote:

Originally Posted by John@Scoggin

A new set of the GM MLS for an LS1 runs $28. For 2 gaskets. The composite ones run $40. Its not worth the chance of trying to reuse them.

Yea, but a Cometic MLS gasket is going to run $80+

As long as it didn't contact coolant/fuel and the copper spray hasn't cured, you should be fine, as Matt said, people do it all the time to fly cut pistons.

Oct 4, 2010 | 06:19 PM

#13

ABQ99TA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by John@Scoggin

No need for studs. When bolts are half the price and will work just as well. ARP that is.

I agree. Can you swap heads in the car with sutds? I didn't think you could.

Oct 4, 2010 | 06:25 PM

#14

Beau@SDPC

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From: Lubbock, TX

Really? For a single 4 bolt cometic gasket, we sell them for 72.95.

But that is beside the point. I meant if he was using the less expensive gaskets, then there is no reason to not get another one. In the end it may not hurt anything, but alot of people pay extra just for peace of mind.

Oct 4, 2010 | 06:26 PM

#15

Beau@SDPC

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From: Lubbock, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABQ99TA

I agree. Can you swap heads in the car with sutds? I didn't think you could.

You can, they just take alot longer to do.

Oct 4, 2010 | 07:03 PM

#16

HotSilverBird

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ABQ99TA

This is the stupidest thing I have read on here in a while. If you used tty bolts buy new ones. Or get ARPs

LOL yeah i'm a complete idiot LMAO Just every GM dealer in the country reuses the bolts under warranty work and have no trouble................................

Oct 4, 2010 | 10:01 PM

#17

94Z28-MSTGKLR

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From: Lacey, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotSilverBird

LOL yeah i'm a complete idiot LMAO Just every GM dealer in the country reuses the bolts under warranty work and have no trouble................................

Well seems how I worked at a GM dealer for 7 years as a mechanic before going into aviation as a mechanic, I must be an idiot because every single car I touched that needed the heads (or head) removed ALWAYS got new head bolts and gaskets regardless if it was warranty or not. As a matter of fact GM includes new bolts in the gasket kit when vehicles are repaired under warranty. So unless you work as a GM tech, and at an honest dealer, I suggest you don't speak of something you don't know about.

To the op. Yes, they can be reused but they have already been seated. Removing the heads and reusing the gaskets is just not a safe practice. If a little dirt gets on the head, or gasket that's already been seated it could cause a gap in the seal causing coolant leaks, compression leaks ect... The bolts are designed to be a one time use. They are made to be tossed after they've been torqued and then removed. Its up to you though. Its your car, and your hard earned money.

Oct 4, 2010 | 10:09 PM

#18

the_merv

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From: The Beach...

If I'm not mistaken the Cometics can be reused.

Now as far as a TTY Bolt..non reusable.

Oct 4, 2010 | 10:25 PM

#19

bww3588

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From: Chillicothe/Lima, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotSilverBird

LOL yeah i'm a complete idiot LMAO Just every GM dealer in the country reuses the bolts under warranty work and have no trouble................................

just shut up while your ahead....

the TTY bolts cannot be reused. once they are streched, they are done. end of story. quit spreading BS around this board.