Re-use head gasket??

[max340]

Hey there. I forgot to put my valley pan on. Can I take one head off and re use the gasket?? I have the 440 source gaskets with their alum heads. Thanks

 

[TN Mopar]

why do you have to remove a head to put the valley pan on?

also what kind of head gasket did you use?

 

[diesel_lv]

If you are using the valley "plate", if you have not started the engine, yes you can remove the head to install the plate and reuse the head gasket.

 

[Ironbuilt]

I wouldn't, but that's me. They're too cheap to take the risk of blowing it later.

 

[toolmanmike]

2 things I wouldn't reuse, condoms and head gaskets!

 

[Ironbuilt]

2 things I wouldn't reuse, condoms and head gaskets!

 

[max340]

why do you have to remove a head to put the valley pan on?

also what kind of head gasket did you use?

It's the kind of pan that tucks under the heads along the sides. I'm using the gaskets that come with the Edelbrock intake.

 

[Challenger340]

As long as the Engine wasn't fired up the Head Gasket should be fine to re-use/re-torque, as both the external coating and internal composite fibre sealing/conforming features are heat activated.

 

[F4R/T]

Condoms can be reused ... you just have to shake the **** out of them! Agree don’t reuse it what is your time really worth? The part is cheap your time and a call for a hook will not be recouped.

 

[Ironbuilt]

As long as the Engine wasn't fired up the Head Gasket should be fine to re-use/re-torque, as both the external coating and internal composite fibre sealing/conforming features are heat activated.

Once you torque the heads to specs, the gasket is compressed. Removing the head and retorquing will NOT achieve the same seal. Prove me wrong!!

 

[Najib]

Honestly It comes down to the person you are. If I was myself I would just play it safe and get new ones and it can only do your engine better compared to taking a risk of loosing thousands. But then again It really comes down to your opinion. I generally don't have an opinion on if its safe to do it or not because anything can happen at any moment, just depends on your luck lol

 

[MoparLeo]

Ask the manufacturer of the gaskets not someone on a forum... And you just turn condoms inside out...pre-lubed.

 

[Kern Dog]

2 things I wouldn't reuse, condoms and head gaskets!

I remember sex education in the early 80s. There was instructions on how to clean and re-roll condoms for multiple usage.

 

[dvw]

I've not only removed and reinstalled head gaskets before starting. I've also done it after running. And this isn't just with Cometics. It's with Felpro's as well. Never had and issue. If it's old and tore up that's one thing. But if its nice and a recent install that's another. The gasket takes a set between a particular head and block. If its reinstalled in the same location it 's never bothered anything when I've done it. When installing any head I always torque completely. Then loosen one fastener at a time and retorque it. The fastener will almost always rotate further the 2nd time.
Doug

 

[max340]

Thanks you guys. I've always used the thin tin ones that just lay on top. I installed the heads THEN unwrapped the one I got from 440 source, held it up in the air, and that's when I said "****". And of course I did it late Friday after all the stores were closing up. But the good news is there's plenty of icee cold Miller High Life in the fridge. Giddyup

 

[Don Frelier]

The idea of an intake gasket requiring head removal seems like a poor solution to me.
I've always liked the factory set-up.
Why not do it the conventional way?

 

[toolmanmike]

It's the kind of pan that tucks under the heads along the sides. I'm using the gaskets that come with the Edelbrock intake.

Never seen one like that. Got some pics or a brand and part number?

 

[diesel_lv]

The idea of an intake gasket requiring head removal seems like a poor solution to me.
I've always liked the factory set-up.
Why not do it the conventional way?

This is what he's talking about. Other brands out there, n pros n cons. Probably using it because he wants to.
http://store.440source.com/Sheet-Metal-Valley-Pan-B-Engine-Dual-Plane/productinfo/127-1012/

 

[max340]

Never seen one like that. Got some pucs or a brand and part number?

I ended up pulling both heads and I'll replace both gaskets. I'd like to think I listen to people that have been doin this more than me. Thanks for all the great advice you guys.

 

[Mark Barnes]

2 things I wouldn't reuse, condoms and head gaskets!

Well, if the condom wasn't overheated and didn't reach max pressure...it's a close call...hahahaha!