can you re-use the "metal" head gaskets?

[Ddw350]

i was wondering if you can reuse the metal head and sometimes base gaskets.its not like they get torn or dryrot,maybe its a dealer thing saying you need new gaskets when they are actually reuseable? unles they"crush" and form a seal that way,i dont see why you cant use them,someone enlighten me please...thanks

[BigReds Forever]

I always replace them, guess ive never given it much thought. Id hate to put a motor together and have a bad base gasket.

[hutin' unit200m]

I have re used the paper type base gaskets over and over again as long as it's not ripped.

The head gasket with the metal ring,I have been told you have to get a new one every time you seperate it.

[SYKO]

if its a copper gasket you can aneal it and re use it

[hutin' unit200m]

further more you can make your own paper type gasket out of thin cardboard

cutting it perfect is another story

I have also used a product called ULTRA COPPER

[Ddw350]

this appears to be a real thin tin...its on a 400ex,both the head and the base gaskets are metal,im not sure what my 350x has for gaskets,honestly,i hope i never find out!

[hutin' unit200m]

Yeah I am sure you can reuse those gaskets. I have watched it done many times and never been witness to a problem

my understanding is as a rule a gasket can be reused as long as it looks good and came off in one piece
or if it is the gasket inbetween the head and the top of the jug(cylinder)

[Mr. Clean]

How much for a head gasket? How long to tear it apart and put it back together if the used head gasket fails? For the cost of a new one I would replace it. Just my opinion.

[Ddw350]

yea,we got new gaskets[head,base,exhaust oring copper gaskets] oil filter, plug for 42.00 at the dealer,which was surprising resonable i thought....the gaskets were like 22 bucks,its worth the 22 dollars not to have a redo cause of a gasket problem....

[Erics350x]

I most always reuse em without any problems.

[Howdy]

I most always reuse em without any problems.

I do this all the time on my own machines. I have a drawer full of used gaskets, and as many new ones.
Now when I work on a customers machine, I give them the option ( new or re-use if possible ). It's about 60/40 there. Sometimes when I have a Urgent repair for a customer and I don't have the proper new gasket in stock, I take the used one and make a New one from a roll of gasket material ( I have the tools to make some gaskets ).
Howdy

[diggerzmound]

You can re-use, coppercat the gasket if you have any doubts. I would much sooner re-use a head gasket on a 2 stroke then a 4 stroke, because of the amount of work .