DavidAU Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I was wondering what others think about re-using a head gasket and if they had done so did they do anything to it before use and was it successful. I have an engine that has been fitted with a new copper/asbestos type gasket and then run/idled for about 20 mins but now the head has got to come back off to address a valve problem. The engine is low compression, 4.5 comp. ratio maybe, and does not have any water pressure in the radiator. I realize that it would be better to fit a new one and if they were freely available I would however this gasket is custom made and it takes quite a while to get another one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 An old trick with the copper/asbestos head gaskets was to soak them in water then put them in a freezer over night. Theory was that as the water froze it expanded the asbestos. Never tried it myself. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Gregory Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I was told to do that by the owner of Gasket City and had no problems at all . The gasket had been installed like in David's situation . I was told to lay it flat and soak in water for a week ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfa Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Hello David As you are aware, you should always use a new gasket when refittng the head, but I see your predicament. I have never heard of the soaking and freezing technique, but who knows, maybe it works. What I was going to suggest, because I have done it myself, was simply to degrease and fit the gasket with a coat of hermatite or similar sealant on both sides. Go for the hardening type of sealer, not silicone instant gasket. In your low compression, low pressure application, i am sure it would be fine. Kind regardsAdam.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I suggest you contact Olsen's gaskets for a new composite gasket. They make them in-house from modern material that works just as well as the old copper clad gaskets. The do offer both, but copper clad is more $. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinneyhill Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 I used a spray-on "paint" designed for the purpose. Can't remember what it was called... My notes tell me it was Torque-Tite. Seems OK no leaks as far as I can tell. Done about 5,000 miles since then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cahartley Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Working on mostly REALLY old things I've had 100% success using old head gaskets again.An engine rebuilder friend of mine swears by Hylomar on head gaskets and in my experience I can vouch for that. http://www.zoro.com/hylomar-gasket-sealant-100g-tube-blue-hub003/i/G1861571/?gclid=CP6IzdmqtMoCFQ-RaQodZ1oJHA&gclsrc=aw.ds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hupp36 Posted January 18, 2016 Share Posted January 18, 2016 Just spray both sides of the gasket with aluminum paint and re- install it. Done this many times, it works. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpage Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I've reused the head gasket on my Model "A" several times without any problems.I do spray both sides with Permatex copper-coat and seal all open holes with gasket cement prior to installation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oily rag Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 I have reused many head gaskets on low comp engines. The Permatex copper spray sealant or Neverseize on the small ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted February 19, 2016 Share Posted February 19, 2016 The question I would ask myself is what does the gasket cost? It that savings worth the effort to change it? (It will never leak in the driveway, unless it not your driveway) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen_Dyneto Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 Certainly not a preferred practice to use the gasket a 2nd time but if it and the surfaces are all in good condition you may well get away with it. I'd use Permatex Copper gasket spray on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 1) the gasket is already fitted to your engine so if you put it back exactly the way it came out it should work as new 2) it has not been in use long enough to be compressed to the point of being useless. Soak in hot water or not, use some kind of sealer or paint and it will work fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amphicar BUYER Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 1) the gasket is already fitted to your engine so if you put it back exactly the way it came out it should work as new 2) it has not been in use long enough to be compressed to the point of being useless. Soak in hot water or not, use some kind of sealer or paint and it will work fine. Not true, once it's torqued down, the gasket is crushed (which provides the seal and a specific thickness)and will not give the same seal as a new one. They don't become "fitted" It's a personal thing. I prefer to not have to do a job again to save a couple dollars. Gaskets are cheaper than labor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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