Can head gasket be re-used

I remember a professional engine rebuilder telling me that a fresh engine rebuild would have had the block desk machine milled to flat and it then had minor machining "scratches". He advised his customers in greasing up a copper head gasket to allow it to "float" around during the torquing down process. The scratches on the block / head would eventually act as tooth and lock it in to the gasket making a good seal. I also believe that spraying on the copper gasket sealer during install of the head gasket probably lubricates it in the same way.
 
Question: How many of you guys who said ok to reusing the old gasket either grew up during the depression or were raised by parents who lived through the depression?
 
I prefer a new gasket but have reused gaskets. First soak it in water so the water gets into the fiber material between the copper sheets. Then put the gasket in the deep freezer and when the trapped water freezes it will re-expand the gasket so it will compress again when installed.
I also put a light layer of grease on both sides of the gasket.

And yes, my parents lived through the depression.
 
I have reused head gaskets many times but only on the same engine with the same head. As in your example if I pull the head to do valve work I reassemble with the same gasket.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top