opinions-- head gasket

[adh383]

Have a set of fel-pro head gaskets that were ran only about 20 minutes-- came off engine and looked almost as good as when they were installed-- Very tempted to re-use them-- give me your opinions on the odds of having an issue !!!!!

[ThomasAlexander]

I've reused head gaskets pleanty of times before in situations like yours. You'll have no problems especially since your heads are cast iron. I've also reused head bolts many times as well. Got away with it everytime.

Let me know what you go with.

Thomas

[mkmsports41]

I have done it before. When I raced cars, and would blow a head gasket at the track, and not have a new set. Not the best idea in the world, but it worked for me. If you are using them on a low compression engine you will be probably be ok. I have re-used head bolts many times as long as they are not stretch bolts. If it is on an application where it is easy to change if it doesnt work, i would go for it. I always used "copper spray" on them. Dont know the exact name of it, but its in an aeresol can and gets really tacky. Works great on head gaskets and head bolts going into water jacks.

[Bakas]

From what ive been told, once their compressed you cant reuse them. Its cheap insurance to just get new ones anyway. Id be interested what other people have done.

[adh383]

Motor might be 9:1 compression--- always used same headbolts -- never had an issue-- by the way, these are not the metal head gaskets.

[stroker1]

I'd use them. Give them a light thin coat of Copper spray-a-gasket if you're worried about it. I've done it before. Done it several times with the MLS gaskets.