Engine Head/Gasket

[Charles Reese]

When removing engine head …
(1) any ‘tricks’ to this process in order to ‘save’ the gasket for reuse? (not an original, has been installed ~1 year)
(2) would appreciate comments (pro/con) on use of the ‘modern’ (already with bead of silicon sealer) head gasket (in likely event I destroy the current gasket )

[Tom Wesenberg]

Why is the head being removed?

I've used copper coat on both sides and reused a head gasket with no problem, but it's always a risk and I wouldn't do it on someone else's engine unless they gave the OK. If you are changing heads there's more risk of a leak when reusing the gasket.

[d.j. moordigian]

I suspect you found the correct early head for you car? I agree with Tom on the
gasket...

[Terry, NJ]

Please forgive me for possibly hijacking this thread. A few days ago, I read that the bolt holes should be counter sunk to prevent the metal from gushing out from under the nut and binding on the stud. How about it?
Terry

[Mitch//pa]

i used the modern style gasket once and had nothing but external leaks never again only the copper for me.
i never reuse any gaskets

[d.j. moordigian]

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Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

Please forgive me for possibly hijacking this thread. A few days ago, I read that the bolt holes should be counter sunk to prevent the metal from gushing out from under the nut and binding on the stud. How about it?
Terry

I'm not sure were you are asking about...block surface or the top of
the head?
1. There should be a very SLIGHT champer...on the block.
2. I also like the same on the top of the head..because it has
no washer.
3. Aluminum heads are a different story.

[Duffy1]

1) I would never take a chance on reusing a head gasket ($39) . Lot of work doing this drill .
2) Modern head gaskets work ; You have to retorque with engine stone cold . And retorque more than the instructions say . Retorque until torque stays at 55lbs . Did mine 5 times .

[George Miller]

I reuse the gasket some times, but like Tom only on my cars. It is a risk, because Model A Head gasket seal is marginal any way.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Chief's probably "splittin' a gut" He didn't mince his words or rattle long explanations, I KNOW he would mutter, "Do you re-use a condom"?? In one QUICK hand motion he could explain the difference between FEMALE pipe threads & MALE pipe threads!
Anonymous W.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by Charles Reese

When removing engine head …
(1) any ‘tricks’ to this process in order to ‘save’ the gasket for reuse? (not an original, has been installed ~1 year)
(2) would appreciate comments (pro/con) on use of the ‘modern’ (already with bead of silicon sealer) head gasket (in likely event I destroy the current gasket )

Hi Chuck, (SIR) I got away with doing it once & not the next time !! So, 50/50??.. With all involved, I dont think I would do it again unless I REALLY had to.... Fred..

[partridgekelley]

My dad told me he did that during the depression years. He said he soaked the gasket in water overnight to swell the center material and it worked. I run a high compression head and wouldn't try it. How lucky do you feel? Gary

[Charles Reese]

not a 'really' have to ... current gasket (copper/white) is from A&L but engine never started ... will be changing to a more correct E28 head so had hoped i could save the gasket ... i assumed the copper coat gasket sealer would hold the copper layers to each surface and shred the inner layer .. am on track of a NOS McCord gasket with the white asbestos liner so kind of a mute topic ... however, am always appreciative of sage advice!