How "new" do plenum ring gaskets need to be? Can they be re-used?

[JedCoop]

When you pull the plenum on a G50 you generally replace the 8 ring gastets, right? Conservatively this is the safest bet.

But if I had replaced them a year ago, and I needed to pull the plenum again, do I really need to replace them, or can I just reuse them... I recollect they cost about $50 to replace.

What experiences have others had on re-using the plenum rings?

[DAEDALUS]

I thought they were about $3 each, but Joe's prices may have gone up considerably since the last time I bought them. We're getting Benzed perhaps.Depends on how soft they are. They need to seal, so they need to be compressible. Worst case, you get a vacuum leak and get to replace them then.

[JedCoop]

I just looked it up. $3.55 each... about $30 for 8. Better than I remembered.

The reason why it is more worthwhile to replace them is because a small vacuum leak can be hard to diagnose.

[DominickJ30]

I just looked it up. $3.55 each... about $30 for 8. Better than I remembered.

The reason why it is more worthwhile to replace them is because a small vacuum leak can be hard to diagnose.

Replace them. Do you really want to pull the plenum again for the vac leak?

[elwesso]

Last time i checked the FSM it didnt state they needed to be replaced... So since theyre newish id leave em alone.

[squeefoo]

I've reused mine for about 5 years now having the plenum off about 5-6 times (Leaks and injectors). I almost hate to bring it up again but I put Permatex Hylomar on them, so I could reuse them, same thing with the AAC valve gasket and trans. gask.

I also aimed the crossover hose clamps at the openings in the upper plenum so they could be tightened occasionally with a socket and extension when the hose takes a set.

[JedCoop]

After reading Daedalus' reply I decided to change the #6 injector in my '92 this morning instead of wiating for gaskets to get shipped. When I looked at the installed gaskets they were still pliable and looked fine.

Car runs much better now than before. Popping the plenum just enough was no problem, I detached just enough so I could space the plenum up by two hockey puck thicknesses. Instead of detaching the hose to the IAC/AAC I just detached the IAC from the plenum, and detached a few other odds and ends. Turned out so much simpler than removing the whole plenum. Now I am just waiting to hear others chime in and tell me I should've changed the gaskets for sure.

[Q451990]

I think as long as they're flexible you're fine... and I'm a "do it while you're in there" kind of guy.

Glad to hear it's running better with that new injector!

Heath