are 3pc head gaskets re-useable?

[1sick91tsi]

i have a 3pc head gasket that was ran on my car, i pulled the head off, and i wanted to know are they re-useable or no? i have herd of people re-using them before but what do you guys think? thanks for the help

 

[1fast97gsx]

I'm in the process of putting my motor together and I installed my new factory composite headgasket. I set the head on top and torqued it down. Once it was on I noticed the head has a small crack in the side that could give me some problems. I pulled the head back off to replace with my other head laying around. Can I reuse the headgasket since it has only been torqued but not head cycled yet?

 

[Mike1992]

Same block different head, I'd say no

 

[wolf20043]

I'm in the process of putting my motor together and I installed my new factory composite headgasket. I set the head on top and torqued it down. Once it was on I noticed the head has a small crack in the side that could give me some problems. I pulled the head back off to replace with my other head laying around. Can I reuse the headgasket since it has only been torqued but not head cycled yet?

The tourqing down may be an issue, but if the block has not been heated up, the Gasket wont have a way to mesh to the surfaces of the block and head. The only concern will be if the tourqe was enough to compress the metal on the Gasket when you did it the first time.
Mike

 

[TSIfreek]

NO get a new gasket.

 

[Defiant]

Head gaskets are never to be re-used. Still, some do, and get away with it. I never would.

 

[blackGSX2g]

Yea, I wouldn't risk it for how cheap the composite ones are. Once you torque it down, the composite material is fitted to the block/head surface. When you pull it off, you should see impressions of each surface after its torqued on.

 

[DsMWookie]

Defiant, I know the composites/graphites are a def. no no. As far as the MLS head gasket it is reusable but if its seen detination or had excessive miles def. Use your judgement.

 

[tsiawd1995]

I reused mine on my car cuz i'm cheap torqued it to 90ft lbs to do a leak test. i pulled the head then reinstalled at 100ft lbs torque. it's been fine at 28psi not pushing any coolant at all. you might be better off getting a new one, though. if you do reuse it, just watch the coolant.

 

[wolf20043]

It is a big debating metter of opinion. I personally would use a new one. But MANY people here would say the same. If you have no other choice, re use it. I have actually read on here of people who have used it even after driving the car. Not in your best intrest but opinions vary.
Mike

 

[GVR4592]

I would rather buy a new gasket and have the peace of mind, and not have to spend a couple hours replacing a head gasket when it doesn't seal properly.

 

[TransAmConvert]

I've reused metal ones before. It works. I wouldn't recommend it but if you're short on cash...

 

[GVR4592]

Steel gaskets are not reusable. Some vendors claim they are but that is not true. I have used mls, cometic, and stock composite. They ALL had clear indentations in them from the cylinder head being torqued down.

 

[Lee'sGSX]

I have reused mitsu metal gaskets alot. I've just clean them good and sprayed them with copper spray. But that's me .......it may not work the same for others.

 

[jrohner]

I don't think I'd do it, but I'd definitely copper spray it if I did.

 

[Redwidow]

A little old ya think. I hope the OP has figured it out by now .