metal headgaskets...anyone reused them ?

[cortina-mk1]

just wondering but i reckon i know the answer...

some thought from some ppl is that they can be re-used like copper?

or has anyone had a metal headgasket blow ?

[slownslurious]

you cannot reuse metal headgaskets, they are pressed from the factory, and when you torque them down it takes advantage of the compression that tightening the head down over those pressured indentations provides... once you tighten them, they are done. It doesn't matter how "lightly used" they are. Torqued once= replace.

[NeedCAforS13]

I think he was asking if anyone had done this... the "correct" answer is you're not supposed to reuse them, but there's alot of things you're not supposed to do that people have done. I say, try it out.

[Turbogixxer]

some thought from some ppl is that they can be re-used like copper?

You can, use copper spray.

[boost_boy]

you cannot reuse metal headgaskets, they are pressed from the factory, and when you torque them down it takes advantage of the compression that tightening the head down over those pressured indentations provides... once you tighten them, they are done. It doesn't matter how "lightly used" they are. Torqued once= replace.

Yes, you can re-use them! Like turbogixxer says, clean them up and spray them with copper spray or coating of your choice and put the clamps on them. I don't recommend using stock head bolts with a metal headgasket because the bolts become a disposable item once you loosen them up. I've reused my metal headgasket on several occasions.

Dee

[cortina-mk1]

so dee, turbogixxer, did you use this spray?if so whats actually called?

have any of you had one blow?

[Turbogixxer]

so dee, turbogixxer, did you use this spray?

Yeah, it is called copper spray. Go to your local auto parts store and ask for copper spray, they will point you in the right direction.

have any of you had one blow?

I only had one blow, but it was a motor known for bad headgasket sealing. You have to install the gasket/head correctly too.

[boost_boy]

so dee, turbogixxer, did you use this spray?if so whats actually called?

have any of you had one blow?

You'll melt the head or a piston before you burn one of these things. I'll be re-using mine for like the 4th time, but I always coat it before reinstallation. Just like the gixxer says, go to an autoparts or hi-po parts warehouse and they should be able to supply you with this stuff. A famous brand is called "Permatex"........

Dee

[cortina-mk1]

thanx all will check out this copper spray stuff

they get to expensive to keep replacing

[Jezz_s13]

I've reused my trust MLS gasket twice, and am about to for the 3rd time.

I clean it up with whatever's necessary, wirewool, paint stripper whatever, then give both sides of the outer layers a dusting over with Blue Hylomar from an aerosol.

my gasket only has 3 layers, I've seem others with lots of thin layers so I guess you'd have to give more of them a coat of Hylomar.