At 04:17 PM 4/23/98, you wrote:
>
Jack writes:
>This rambles a little, but the bottom line is that I am trying to find out
>if reusing a head gasket is feasible, or a definite "don't do it."
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>A local mechanic recommends reusing the head gasket, if it is in good
>shape. He said to spray both sides lightly with Copper Kote(?), let it
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The short answer is GET A NEW GASKET. Unless its a solid copper head
gasket, don't even think about re-using one unless its a dire emergency and
then only to get you to where it's feasible to replace it as soon an
possible. (Get a new mechanic also, I can't believe any reputable garage
would tell you such a thing!). Sorry, but once used you have compressed
all the metal sealing rings, and the gasket material itself.
Re-installing the gasket will compress it even further, and you won't have
the resiliency that is built into the gasket or the sealing rings, aside
from the fact that you can NEVER get it into the exact position it was in
when first installed. Not only that but the gasket has already been
exposed to the coolant and heat cycling. Once things heat cycle again
after being compressed further than it was originally designed for the
gasket will no longer be able to properly seal leading to water leaks, and
possible combustion chamber leakage. In a best case scenarios you will
have shortened the working life CONSIDERABLY. I would tell you, DON'T DO
IT. Gaskets are not meant to be re-usable, especially head gaskets - Wish
it were otherwise -
Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
72 V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70 GT6+ (when I don't drive the Spit)
70 Spitfire (project)
73 Ford Courier (parts hauler, rain vehicle, getting a V6 soon!)
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