Reuse Head Gasket w/ Copper Spray? No Heat cycle

[Kyogie12]

So this build is becoming a pain in the ass. I put on a new HG and ARP studs, torqued down and all that. But I have to pull the head off again to work on some broken exhaust studs that aren't coming out.

Now the new OEM HG has not seen a heat cycle yet. I was wondering if I pull it can I re-use the HG if i copper spray it? I know when the head is compressed the gasket gets crushed. I'm a little concerned that I wouldn't get the crush pattern down exactly.

Any thoughts? Or experience? Thanks.

 

[goodbye]

So this build is becoming a pain in the ass. I put on a new HG and ARP studs, torqued down and all that. But I have to pull the head off again to work on some broken exhaust studs that aren't coming out.

Now the new OEM HG has not seen a heat cycle yet. I was wondering if I pull it can I re-use the HG if i copper spray it? I know when the head is compressed the gasket gets crushed. I'm a little concerned that I wouldn't get the crush pattern down exactly.

Any thoughts? Or experience? Thanks.

Either way, yes. If it's a metal HG, use copper spray. If it's the standard gasket, no copper spray is needed.

 

[streetraceboi]

You can save yourself the headache and try removing the broken studs with the head on the car. Removing the radiator will give you lots of room to squeeze a drill in there the drill out the broken studs. Of course...take off the exh manifold as well

 

[Kyogie12]

It's the oem composite gasket. Engine is already out of the car and the ez out method is not working. The plan was to drill the studs out and helicoil and oversized stud. Also I don't want to get metal shavings in the oil passages. Hence why I need to pull the head again.

 

[BogusSVO]

Only one exhaust stud goes into oil.
The center bottom. All other stud holes are blind. So no need to pull the head for any other stud.

 

[Kyogie12]

Ah great to know! The two that broke off are the top left and top right. We'll see if I can finish up the job tomorrow without sending the head into a shop!

 

[BogusSVO]

Here is some reading for you....

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/420506-how-remove-broken-bolt.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/448927-how-remove-bolts-broken-flush.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/459206-broken-bolt-removal-mixed-methods.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/361131-how-install-heil-coil.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/art...broken-exhaust-stud-repair.html#post153199582

 

[Kyogie12]

I've read through those a few times. Quite helpful. That's where I got the idea of helicoil/screw fitting for new thread. One of the stud holes has been mutilated like that last one you linked me. The other one the screw hole was set off center and won't budge. Quite a pain.

Thanks though.

 

[phunny]

Can you, yes. Is it worth saving the $50 on the chance it fails?... Up to you.

 

[gieri002]

^ I'm with this guy, why not just go to you local auto parts store and buy a felpro composite head gasket? They have a great reputation and are extremely cheap. Why even risk it?

 

[pyro719]

I would not reuse it! To cheap of a part to have to remove twice.

 

[goodbye]

I would use a used Mitsu composite before I ever put another crappy Fel Pro in my car ever again.

 

[TheFallen]

I would use a used Mitsu composite before I ever put another crappy Fel Pro in my car ever again.

Agreed. Most of the Fel Pro gaskets I've seen and used were good for one thing....wiping.

 

[BogusSVO]

I would use a used Mitsu composite before I ever put another crappy Fel Pro in my car ever again.

Agreed. Most of the Fel Pro gaskets I've seen and used were good for one thing....wiping.

Couple thing guys,

First a blown head gasket is not the cause of a problem, but the result of a problem.

Next there are many on the fourm that run the Felpro HG with great success, 500+ with ARP studs.

If you suffered with repeated HG failures, then it had to do with surface finish of the block and or head, or an improper install.

Another issue would be a bad tune, and cooling system issues will cause HG to fail.

 

[phunny]

Couple thing guys,

First a blown head gasket is not the cause of a problem, but the result of a problem.

Next there are many on the fourm that run the Felpro HG with great success, 500+ with ARP studs.

If you suffered with repeated HG failures, then it had to do with surface finish of the block and or head, or an improper install.

Another issue would be a bad tune, and cooling system issues will cause HG to fail.

Exactly, as the 7mgte guys about that

 

[GSTurbo1]

If it has been "crushed" or torqued I wouldnt reuse it. But its up to you

 

[gieri002]

Agreed. Most of the Fel Pro gaskets I've seen and used were good for one thing....wiping.

Maybe you should try one before knocking them?

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/cyl...-felpro-vs-ajusa-composite-head-gasket-2.html

 

[Kyogie12]

As stated above, I found a way to fix my exhaust stud problem without moving the head. I'd go with a new OEM if I had to pull the head after reading around. I just didn't want to have to wait for shipping. But anyway point is null anyhow.

I used BogusSVO's tips. Local hardware store sells set screws with the inside tapped to m8x1.25. Thanks guys!