The Top DSM Community on the Web

For 1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse, Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Galant VR-4 Owners. Log in to remove most ads.

Please Support ExtremePSI
Please Support ExtremePSI

New motor + metal shavings = tear down, re-use head gasket?

This site may earn a commission from merchant
affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

____Kurt____

10+ Year Contributor
400
12
Jul 14, 2009
North, New_Jersey
Ok so this sucks. I have a fully built motor sitting on a stand that has been done for about 2-3 months now. I haven't been able to put it in yet because I haven't had the time. A couple weeks ago I spritzed some WD-40 in the bottom end and top end to keep the corrosive metals covered from moisture and then covered everything back up in 2 garbage bags. Today I uncovered the engine so I could put the oil pan on and noticed some metal shavings. This wasn't looking good because they weren't there a couple weeks ago when I was inspecting the motor. They're aluminum shavings most likely from the head getting machined. Im assuming the machinist missed a spot when cleaning it and they got dislodged when the WD dripped down the passage ways taking them along. Ok, now for the main reason of this post. I had installed the head on the block some time ago, everything torqued. I used a Fel-Pro Permatorque MLS head gasket and some of you may know that's not a cheap gasket. Copper spray was also used when installing the gasket. I have to strip the entire motor to clean all the metal shavings out. It seems some people have mixed feelings about re-using MLS head gaskets but I haven't read anything about it being re-used on a motor that was never installed. Does anyone have any personal experience with re-using these head gaskets? Whats your thoughts?
Thanks a lot guys and ask anything I may have left out.
Some pics for your entertainment.
You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.
 
I reused a Cometic MLS. The first time it was installed the valves weren't seated correctly (gotta love machine shops, right?) So I pulled the head off, got it fixed, and reinstalled with the same gasket. Copper sprayed and torqued to 80ft/lbs and leaked like hell between cylinders. It wouldn't hold over 50psi in leak down tests. It is quite a tragedy to toss out a $100+ head gasket, but pulling the head again sucks too. I had the head resurfaced to spec again before reinstalling the gasket. The deck was in great shape too. So I wouldn't reccomend it as it failed for me, but some have had great success reusing metal head gaskets. It's truly up to you and what you think.
 
Do you re-use toilet paper?

For the toilet paper, that depends on what kind of situation I'm in. ;)

I already have the L19's and this setup will be tuned over 30psi for DD. That is why I bought the MLS. I guess I will be calling Fel-Pro on Monday and see what they have to say about, but I won't be surprised if they get me to buy another HG from them. Not that I'm trying to be cheap but there are so many other things I can spend $200 on, like bills or things to get the motor into the car. I'll let you guys know what felpro says.
 
some people have reused them.if you ask me i wouldnt.to much of a risk dont chance that nice engine you have over 200 bucks not worth it.
 
It's really hit and miss when reusing a head gasket. Personally I would chance it.
 
I've reused FelproPermatorque MLS's twice now. They both were copper sprayed with two coats the second go round. As long as the black coating hasn't come off , you can reuse them. You need to make sure your deck is still very clean though and to spec. I have L19's btw.
 
I have reused mine twice with no copper spray. Cleaned the surface really well and torqued her down. I would probably use copper spray just for safety.
 
The motor still hasn't been ran. Meaning it also hasnt been hot as hell from engine temps which im sure has a lot to do with a headgaskets wear and tear.
 
not on these cars, but ive reused hks MLS gaskets on 7m motors and never had problems. in fact the last 7m i put together i had to pull the head about 1 day after i put it together ### i forgot to put some sealant between the head/front cover/block junction.

just clean all the rubberized coating off and spray with copper, done. then again, this was on 7m's not dsm's. soooo might wanna fork for a new gasket. or pray :pray:
 
not on these cars, but ive reused hks MLS gaskets on 7m motors and never had problems. in fact the last 7m i put together i had to pull the head about 1 day after i put it together ### i forgot to put some sealant between the head/front cover/block junction.

just clean all the rubberized coating off and spray with copper, done. then again, this was on 7m's not dsm's. soooo might wanna fork for a new gasket. or pray :pray:

Yea, I was gonna say for some reason I have heard good things about the HKS headgaskets and reusing them, but on another note, I have heard of people reusing a heavy duty gasket like that (without ever using the motor just like you in this instance) and have had no problems with it.
Also, that picture of the headgasket makes it look pretty clean.
 
For the toilet paper, that depends on what kind of situation I'm in. ;)

I already have the L19's and this setup will be tuned over 30psi for DD. That is why I bought the MLS. I guess I will be calling Fel-Pro on Monday and see what they have to say about, but I won't be surprised if they get me to buy another HG from them. Not that I'm trying to be cheap but there are so many other things I can spend $200 on, like bills or things to get the motor into the car. I'll let you





Like right now....
 
Support Vendors who Support the DSM Community
Boosted Fabrication ECM Tuning ExtremePSI Fuel Injector Clinic Innovation Products Jacks Transmissions JNZ Tuning Kiggly Racing Morrison Fabrications MyMitsubishiStore.com RixRacing RockAuto RTM Racing STM Tuned

Latest posts

Build Thread Updates

Vendor Updates

Latest Classifieds

Back
Top