Topic: Salvaging head gasket?

[Tim.]

Folks - been a while since I've popped my top, and can't remember if I will absolutely need/want to replace my head gasket or not.

I'm taking the head off to hopefully solve an oil burning problem.  The gasket on the bike is 2000 miles old, having been put there as part of an engine rebuild last spring.  It was from a 59mm ART piston/ring/pin etc. kit.

I have another stock gasket from an aftermarket kit, but the one from the 59mm setup seemed to be much higher quality, and of course I'd rather re-use than replace.

If the head comes off clean, do I need to replace the gasket anyhow?  Opinions?

[bryanj]

Personally i would never reuse a head gasket once it has been run and probably not if it hadnt. With the exception of solid copper ones which can be annealed and re-used ( I got a couple of those if you push enough money into my sweaty hands!)

[TwoTired]

The combustion sealing ring compresses and deforms to seal correctly, and is not elastic.   Reuse is NOT recommended.
I have gotten away with it on lawnmower engines.  But, you have to increase the bolt torque specs from those use on the first gasket distortion, to make a new deformation.

Are you prepared to repair studs pulled out of the engine case?

Cheers,

[Duck]

Sprayed the one on the zx600a with some copper coat on both sides. Let it dry. Sprayed another coat, both sides. Seems fine but has only run for a few minutes as I don't have the radiator plumbed back in yet. Need to find some free hoses with the right bends in them on next visit to 'pull a part' auto salvage yard. Can said it was goodfor head gaskets. We'll see.

[dusterdude]

if its a steel shim type gasket,you can probably get away with using copper coat,but as big a pain in the ass pulling the motor is,i would be leery of trying it.

[Tim.]

Ah, that's the nice part of a 550 vs 750.  No engine pulling for this.  Can tear the entire engine down without pulling it out.

Thanks for the input!

[dusterdude]

cool deal