mls gasket reuseable???

[1fast97gsx]

Has anyone reused this without any problems? I'm thinking of just cleaning mine off with brake cleaner and respraying it with copper spray. I'm using a whole new fresh head and block ... but is there any reason the gasket won't work anymore? This is the 4 layered metal headgasket that costs around $90. If you say it's not reuseable in my case please back it up with facts ... thanks.

 

[DSMJim]

It probablly is re-usesable just like any other MLS gasket is re-useable, however in the case where your building a high performance engine why would you chance it and have to re-re the head again? I know we can all do it with our eyes closed using only one hand, but why go though the extra work anyway?

If you do decide to re-use it torque your head studs down a hair tighter than they were when you last used the gasket to ensure extra tight seal.

 

[1fast97gsx]

yea I know what you're saying but I didn't even get 4000 miles on the gasket yet .... $90 wasted seems steep if it can be avoided. Now the bearings I DID replace again.

 

[DSMJim]

yea I know what you're saying but I didn't even get 4000 miles on the gasket yet .... $90 wasted seems steep if it can be avoided. Now the bearings I DID replace again.

Technically you should never re-use an MLS gasket regardless because it will never seat exactly where it did before to provide a proper seal. It will be dented in spots that dont require it and not in others etc.. You may get away with it, you may not.

Why chance it for $90. Just spend the money and forget about it. If you re-use it, it will always be in the back of your mind, is this gonna blow?

 

[1fast97gsx]

yea true ... you may have convinced me