Re-use copper gaskets C59A?

[a4t6v8]

We have a stock C59A which l have just replaced the head gaskets following a valve grind. I fitted Best copper gaskets, without any sealant. Also had both heads re-surfaced at the time. Since l have been having over heating issues and have removed the heads again, the heads and gaskets came off easily, without damage. I can see evidence of leaking on both gaskets on the block side of the gasket, very minor. Both gaskets cleaned up nicely with steel wool and cleaner. So l want to use them again with copper sealant as per Best Gasket recommendation, But, l had fitted one incorrectly, that is, the vee notch was fitted to the rear. The only difference l see is the small water hole in the gasket was at the rear not the front, also on the block face of the gaskets are now water hole impressions. Ie the top centre triangular hole in the block has an impression on the gasket but not the round in the head side.
So, can l flatten these impressions gently and fit that gasket correctly? Or just refit incorrectly as before, if so, what impact would that small hole in the gasket be at the back? These gaskets have done about 250 miles, so want to re-use rather than buy new if possible. Look forward to your suggestions, with thanks

[Mart]

Just go for it. Fit them correctly and torque carefully. Retorque after a few heat cycles until nothing turns further.

I don't know about sealant, I tend to use just a light film of grease.

[rotorwrench]

I would only reuse solid copper gaskets after annealing them. Sandwich gaskets are different. I always make sure they fit first and then spray each side with either copper or aluminum based spray paint. Install after they are near tack free and torque to normal specs.

Reuse of soft copper sandwich gaskets may or may or may not seal. Reuse at your own risk.

[Kube]

I have never understood the consideration given to reusing gaskets. Perhaps it's simply because I don't want to take a chance at doing the job twice. Gaskets are cheap.

[Ol' Ron]

Been doing this for years.
Gramps
PS
I only torque the head bolts/nuts to 45 ft lbs for 3 heat cycles or more.
Gramps

[woodiewagon46]

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I agree with Kube, why take a chance with something that is so cheap. It's like doing a clutch and not replacing the pilot bushing. Why take a chance on doing the entire job twice.

[B-O-B]

I wish I had you guys' deep pockets. I don't think head casquets are cheap. Some may be cheaply made but not in price. I have been taught to just use a thin film of lube grease on them when new & reuse them. I don't recall ever having a problem. Follow Ol' Rons suggestions on torque. Torque the head bolts/nuts to 45 ft lbs for 3 heat cycles or more.

[leon bee]

In a different realm (motorcycle) I re-use copper head gaskets all the time. Always anneal them, including new ones.

[Ol' Ron]

Common sense says to inspect the gasket for defects. When running The stock car the heads were remover quite often and the gaskets we used. And yes some times it didn't work, so we put ona new one . Sometimes another used one.
Gramps

[tubman]

When "playing with" different engines on my test stand, I sometimes try different heads. Because gaskets really aren't that cheap these days, I try to re-use them. I pay attention to flatness and surface preparation, and like a lot here, just use a thin film of grease when installing heads (and no sealant). I have never had a problem.

Would I do this with and engine that had been installed for a while? Probably, if they hadn't been in forever and looked good.

[fordyford]

No one answered his question about the large and small holes. The overheating was possibly the result of putting the gasket on backwards.

[a4t6v8]

Many thanks to everyone for replying, great to get different perspectives. I should have mentioned these are cast iron heads, l did consider buying new gaskets again, they are about $au130+each plus shipping down here. We seem to have become fitters of new bits, no matter where you go, parts are no longer repaired just replaced. Anyway these Best copper gaskets are the copper/graphite centre type, so l decided to refit them using copper spray sealant. I cleaned all surfaced with steel wool to get some really clean surfaced,
sprayed two coats of copper spray waited until tacky then tighten them down, 45ft/pds then 55ft/pds. I will leave them 24hours before filling with water and doing a couple of heat cycles and retorque. With the incorrectly one fitted l spent some time flattening out the impressions that were made, gently with a hammer, a rolling pin didn’t work. Most looked really good, some l could see the mark but not feel it, so l’ll chance it. Fitted it the correct way. I imagine l have probably compromised the graphite. The heads aren’t difficult to take off, if it doesn’t work l will spend the money on new ones. I will update the results in a few days after the retorque. Thanks again.