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Old 10-15-2021, 10:59 AM   #1
corvette8n
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Default Head gasket reuse question

I have a spare 40’s flathead I bought a few years ago, I want to mount it on an engine stand and run it, I pulled the one head off last year to check the cylinders, they look good, can I just reuse the gasket to test the motor?, do I need to coat it with anything? It has a graphite gasket on it now.
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Old 10-15-2021, 11:26 AM   #2
Jack E/NJ
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Default Re: Head gasket reuse question

If it's surfaces are still decent, I'd use wheel bearing grease if it was mine.
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Old 10-15-2021, 12:00 PM   #3
WABOOM
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Default Re: Head gasket reuse question

With a Graphtite that wasn't leaking I definitely slap it back on.
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Old 10-15-2021, 12:01 PM   #4
Mart
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Default Re: Head gasket reuse question

Give it a go. What's the worst that could happen?
I reuse copper gaskets. Not tried a graphite one, but would try it for a test run. It depends on how cleanly it came off, but if any remnants are on the head or block, leave them in place. Just my hunch.
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Old 10-15-2021, 01:39 PM   #5
19Fordy
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Default Re: Head gasket reuse question

Here's some helpful info. about reusing copper gaskets.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...r+head+gaskets
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Old 10-16-2021, 02:16 PM   #6
Ronnieroadster
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Default Re: Head gasket reuse question

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If the gasket was copper you can reuse it many times over. If its one of them there composition type gaskets its going to be a gamble for sure if it will seal correctly.
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