Reuse Torqued Head Gasket? (Composite)

[BLOHS7844]

I've read way too many different opinions on this to be sure. I torqued a new OEM Composite head gasket and its been sitting for a couple months now. It was idled for maybe 20-30 seconds at the most. Can I reuse it? If it matters, I plan to get my head resurfaced and I used copper spray.

 

[H@xtGSX]

It isn't recommended. That said, I have done exactly what you are describing and got away with it... Twice. If you don't mind having to put a new one in if your gamble fails, then do it. It is a matter of how much you mind doing the extra work if your luck runs out. When I did it, I sprayed that copper crap all over it and torqued it down about 5lbs tighter than it had been torqued the first time.

 

[WES_393]

I would HIGHLY advise against it. If the head was recently milled, skip that and put the cash towards a Felpro gasket. I'd also recommend head studs if your using the stock 7-bolt head bolts. The stockers are almost to the point of stretching just torqued down.

But seriously, is the risk of blowing a head gasket worth saving $40? Reusing gaskets is as cheap as it gets. Stop by Oreillys and pick up a Felpro.

List: Search for 'head gasket' | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

[NHerron]

I might reuse it if a new one costs over $100+ but when the proven Felpros are in stock for less then 30-40$, I say the risk it too high and buy a new one.

You'll thank yourself later for doing it right the first time on a HG, trust me on that one

 

[BLOHS7844]

Is there any difference between felpro and oem?

 

[WES_393]

Is there any difference between felpro and oem?

OE (Original Equipment)- Parts/brands that were installed from the factory such as Mitsubishi, Denso, and Nippon. When it comes to DSM's these are typically the best parts to use.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)- Parts/brands meant to directly replace OE parts such as Felpro, Topline, and NGK. Quality OEM brands (like NGK) often meet or exceed OE quality.

Sorry, pet peeve of mine

But since Felpro is OEM, I'm assuming you mean Felpro vs OE Mitsubishi. Felpro is a reputable gasket company. Their head gaskets have been proven to be just as strong as the Mitsubishi gasket. I know of a DSMTalk member who made over 600hp on a Felpro gasket and ARP studs.

 

[panda_gsx]

If I were you I would spend the extra money for a new one and not have to worry if it is going to fail some people believe oem is better than composite but others have proven felpro can take a beating

 

[H@xtGSX]

Just as a side note, both of the gaskets I reused were Felpro composites. I have a Felpro in my engine now also, and have used nothing but Felpros for many years.. The Felpro composite gasket is very forgiving and can stand a lot of abuse. We put Felpros into a 94 Supra pushing 900 hp and it took a hell of a beating for a couple years... Of all the crap that broke on that car, the headgasket wasn't one of them. They have always worked well for me.

 

[92AWDHX40]

I've used felpro on my cars ran over 26 psi on my dsms hold up great over the years.

 

[panda_gsx]

I am not telling the person not to use a felpro I just would not reuse any gasket to save a couple dollars and want the extra insurance or peace of mind

 

[H@xtGSX]

Agreed, new is always better/safer/smarter. The 2 times I reused gaskets, the vehicles needed to be running immediately and I had no option of waiting for a new one before the head needed to be back on and ready to run. Not ideal circumstances, but like I said, the Felpro composite is very forgiving. I also have all of the tools, equipment, and previous experience to get the head off the block, change out the gasket, and put it back together in a few hours... So the risk in my case is only a minor inconvenience. I don't think that is the case for most folks, so in that instance the risk of severe pain in the ass if it fails far outweighs any savings from reuse.