Resolved Reuse Cometic MLS head gasket?

[kidtsi]

Should i reuse my Cometic MLS head gasket? i was looking at the gasket and the black thing on top is missing on some spots, i think i should be OK since lots of people had reused their MLS head gaskets.

Here is a picture, also what should i use to clean it?

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[justinschmiidt]

It's your preference. Some people have good luck doing it, but I can't advise you to do that.

Clean it with break clean, I would copper spray it.

 

[streetillEagle]

I'm changing heads now and had a choice of reusing my Cometic (cause I'm broke) and just couldn't justify reusing it since they are $80. It's just to much trouble to get to it if something goes wrong. It will be one less thing for you to worry about when you get everything installed and running again. Choose wisely.

 

[LiquidX]

If you head and block are machined properly for use of a MLS HG then I would suggest you look into getting the OEM MLS HG instead of the Cometic HG.

 

[bwhite]

I've been told from a friend of mine that works at Cometic gasket. If the gasket has been heatcycled DO NOT REUSE IT! Not saying you can't or it won't work but that's what I was told.

 

[kidtsi]

This is my choice, i'll buy a new OEM MLS head gasket.

 

[tazndrew04]

buy a new 1 why risk it and put it on and u drive it than u have a leak or anything minor,just buy a new 1 and not worry

 

[desolateboosted]

I reused my cometic and it popped 50 miles afterwards (but that was at 35psi boost). However I've had a friend reuse his with success (He only went 25psi). Lots of variables come into play like: how well you cleaned everything, minor subtle imperfections you can't see on all mating surfaces, stud torque, assembly, etc.

If you don't mind doing HG jobs then reusing it will be fine cause you can just bust another HG job again if it blows.

 

[american-rice]

I just recently tried cleaning a head gasket to reuse it, and it turned into a major pain. I tried brake cleaner, paint remover, acetone, and goof-off. Only a few patches of the viten (black stuff) would come off. The more I tried to clean it the more doubt it put in my head about reusing. I ended up buying a new cometic $94 bucks from Bonehead. Peace of mind is worth the money.

 

[diambo4life]

I have reused MLS gaskets before with great success but I would not reuse yours. It's one of those judgment calls.

 

[kidtsi]

I have reused MLS gaskets before with great success but I would not reuse yours. It's one of those judgment calls.

Thanks for the info, i just bought an OEM MLS.