Anyone succesfully re-used a head gasket?

[GelandeStrasse]

I've dissassembled my top end for new rings n things and the head gasket popped out pretty clean, just wondering if I can re-use it to save some $$'s.

Anyone else successfully done this?

Thanks

[chuck hahn]

They are like gaskets in a car in that they compress as the bolts are torqued to seat against both the heads and jugs and its a permanent squishing..youll get nowhere trying to reuse them except immediately redoing the job.

[GelandeStrasse]

They are like gaskets in a car in that they compress as the bolts are torqued to seat against both the heads and jugs and its a permanent squishing..youll get nowhere trying to reuse them except immediately redoing the job.

Great Chuck, that's what I thought, thanks for confirming

[Guest]

Man, that's alot of work to get to that head gasket in the first place, why would you ever want to risk the chance of having to do it again?
I'd opt for a new gasket and save yourself the headaches, it's money well spent.

[chuck hahn]

Thats what i was thinking too..its already aprt..so its a no brainer to add the new gasket at that point.

[wkmpt]

I'd replace it. It's not as if they are some unreasonably expensive part to replace.

[tkent02]

I did. Wanted to test drive an engine to see if the transmission and everything were good before doing a top end. Threw some cylinders and a head on, used an old gasket. It worked, ran fine, let me test the transmission which was fine. It was leaking a little oil after few hours.

[spyug]

I hate to admit it but I have done it too. I haven't put any mileage on the bike. It was the test bed for my 550 igniter project but so far after about 40 starts and running for up to 10 minutes at a time it looks as good as gold. I can't say what would happen over time but I'm guessing it will leak.

Likely ok for a short spell but like folks say why take a chance.

Good luck with it.

Spyug