Head gasket reuse question

[corvette8n]

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.

 

[Jack E/NJ]

If it's surfaces are still decent, I'd use wheel bearing grease if it was mine.

 

[WABOOM]

With a Graphtite that wasn't leaking I definitely slap it back on.

 

[Mart]

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.
Mart.

 

[19Fordy]

Here's some helpful info. about reusing copper gaskets.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302299&highlight=reusing+copper+head+gaskets

 

[Ronnieroadster]

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.