Head and cylinder gaskets

[Brinxter]

Hi are head and cylinder gaskets re-useable if I take the engine apart and how can I tell if they are bad??

 

thanks

Biggi

[dajogejr]

UNless you have an aftermarket head like Noss, Cool Head or Hemi head, then no...you can not reuse the gaskets. The above mentioned heads use rubber o rings, which can be reused.

 

There are a ton of indicators that could mean a gasket is leaking. Problem is...Other things can be wrong and "look/feel/smell" like a gasket leak that aren't...too.

 

Why don't you tell us the problem, and we'll try and help better...

[J-Madd]

I'm putting one back together that only has about 3 rides on the gaskets before we f'ed it up (long story) and I was planning on re-using the gaskets. Hell they look like new. I can afford gaskets, but the buddy that f'ed it up and is going to pay to fix it and is limited on what he can spend. There wasn't even a full coating of carbon on top of the pistons. Ya' think it's risky re-using those gaskets?

[watkins]

Never reuse head gaskets or any gasket for that matter. Regardless how that head gasket looks it needs to be replaced after its been used. I wouldnt risk destroying the top end over the cost of a gasket.

[dajogejr]

Never reuse head gaskets or any gasket for that matter. Regardless how that head gasket looks it needs to be replaced after its been used. I wouldnt risk destroying the top end over the cost of a gasket.

513944[/snapback]

 

Exactly...

just because it isn't torn, ripped, etc., doesn't mean it hasn't been compressed beyond the point it won't seal again properly.

 

Don't take the chance...

[md7571]

You can buy a whole set on e-bay for 24.95, all gaskets. The dealer here wanted 47 and the other one wanted 54 for a whole gasked kit.

 

Its not worth having to drain fluids and redo everything again for the price of gaskets!!

[dajogejr]

Heck with Ebay...check this out.

 

http://www.magicracing.com/product.asp?itemid=122&catid=136

 

 

I'd take Magic over fleabay anyday!!!

[fast500#12]

if its a stock head i have a brand new head gasket that came with my top end kit that i never used because i have a cool head. i will send you for free. if you want it pm me your shipping info.