Can you reuse new head gasket

[da83moon]

Just wondering. Pulled the head to check the cylinders bcasue of the problems with the cooling. Was looking like allot of carbon on the piston heads is there a good way to just go ahead an clean them? Also the head gasket it a new head gasket and the engine only has been run 4-5 times since the new one was put on. Can you use the old one since it looks very new? On cranking down the head is there anything special to make sure its "aligned" correctly? MY last question is getting the powerhead back on the exhaust adapter. This is where I srewed up last time, is there anything you can do to make sure the gasket doesn't move, bceuase aparently last time becasue I had to pick it back up it moved enough to crease it and then the water worked its way out. Thanks in advance I'm hoping to get this answered by tonight, because I will be working on getting the pieces together over the weekedn and I have a hand coming over ot assist with th epowerhead.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

Not a good idea. When a head gasket compresses the first time it takes a permanent set. I wouldn't run the risk of a premature failure.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

Okay won't do that, I've got a new one that should be here over the weekend. Will replace.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

What motor are we talking about?

 

[da83moon]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

Sorry 1979 55 hp eveinrude 55975C

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

We use OMC / BRP Gasket Sealing Compound (brush on) on head gaskets. Yes, even the ones that say "No Sealer" but don't use any spray sealer. On motors that we know we're going to be pulling the heads off it helps preserve the gasket. We'll reuse the head gasket once with a little more torque. The torque should be 16-18 ft. lbs. (if I remember right for that motor). If you go to 18 ft lbs the first time, we'd go to 18-20 the next. And retorqe after it's been run.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

I've reused gaskets if they're not toasted. As Dhadley noted, increase the bolt torque a shade to compensate...
- Scott

 

[papasage]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

i used the copper gaskett spray on outbord and lawnmowers . ben running my 10 hp tecumseh for over a year . the gaskett was the original and it is probabley a 1970`s motor . it has points .

 

[mthieme]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

I've reused gaskets too with no problems, but generally it's not the best idea.
Surfaces need to be very clean and use gasket sealant.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

Some applications can re-use, I agree. However I would hate to wish I had put a new gasket on several miles from shore. A little more torque is O.K. as long as you go minimum with the first installation and maximum with the second but that's a risk you may regret in the middle of the lake !!!!

 

[ebry710]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

Head gaskets cost less the the time you lose by having to installing a new one because you did notice a micro crack. Of all the gaskets I wouldn't think of reusing that is it. It must maintain integrity under extreme heat and pressure. And it must have a perfectly even thickness otherwise the aluminum block/head could crack/warp or the thinness could cause blow by.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

I reuse em if I don't have another around. Use a bit of sealer and I've never had a problem. If i have a new one I will use it though. But I only work on the smaller engines, mostly 20hp and less.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Can you reuse new head gasket

Thanks all I got a ned gasket and am going to put it on later however I took the old one off and I'm gessig the peroson that had rebuilt it got it a little too tight and some of the threads came out with the bolt. Oh well guess I'll be helicoiing it too.