brad-cam

Question about reusing a new head gasket.

I changed the head gasket last week with a new stock one, and now I need
to take the head back off to change a conn rod damaged by a spun rod
bearing. Can I reuse the gasket, or does the HG have to be changed every
time the head is removed ?

Sorry, now that I've typed this, it sounds like a stupid question... I still need to know though :-)

Serge944

Technically, you should. But ive been using a used headgasket from my blown engine for the past year. No problems. 160 psi compression too.

DHC8FO

Yes you can reuse a headgasket, but, there's allways a chance it will not reseal as well as the first time it was torqued. It will really become an issue if you are overboosting or modded. For all of the work it takes to r&r a head, a new one is cheep insurance, unless you intend to remove it in the near future again.

For what it's worth.
Mark

Granite 944

I have NO experience with doing this, but, the way I sees it is.........ya got a 50/50 chance of it resealing properly for any duration........do ya feel lucky?
Naw, its not a stupid question.......not at the price of head gasket. Just weigh out the amount of work/cost to re-do it if it doesn't hold.......now what do ya think? I feel your pain! AFAIK, this is pretty much a one torque deal. Good luck! Let us all know down the road, if you do decide to reuse it.

Jfrahm

I would eat beans and tortillas for a week to save up for a new head gasket if I had to.

-Joel.

Jakerx

yes indeed..i agree with joel...

Legoland951

No I wouldn't reuse it. For $10, get one from ebay.

Dave951M

No, don't even try it unless you just want to risk having it blow and replace it again. I've never reused one and don't recommend it.