Head Gasket: reuse or replace??

[Homie]

Guess I should clarify that its a brand spanking new Wiseco head gasket that went on when I installed the head following the valve job. It looks and still smells like new. Its just been torqued three times.

[Steve]

I have a rubber one on mine, been on and off a few times, no issues that I can see...

.

A rubber head gasket?

Never seen one.

.

[7981GS]

Guess I should clarify that its a brand spanking new Wiseco head gasket that went on when I installed the head following the valve job. It looks and still smells like new. Its just been torqued three times.

BTW, Cometic makes the gaskets FOR Wiseco.

Eric

[TheCafeKid]

I have a rubber one on mine, been on and off a few times, no issues that I can see...

.

I think mayhaps you're thinking of the valve cover gasket?
I've never seen a rubber head gasket. I've seen multi layer steel, and that waffle fiber like material they used on the early 8v from the factory, never seen a rubber head gasket though.

[TheCafeKid]

Chuck, it came off nice and clean, they aren't cheap, so back on it went and it worked just fine.

Was I lucky? maybe, maybe not. All I know is I had nothing to loose and it worked out just fine. Had it heat cycled and stuck to the cylinder and head, I would have found another one for it.

This! If you're using OEM head and base gaskets and pear shaped orings on your 8 valve model like ya should, darn right I'd at least try and see if it seals. The OEM head gasket alone costs as much as some of the full Vesrah gasket kits. If I can save $150 in exchange for the posibility that I might have to put another two hours into it to change it out for new if it doesn't work, that's worth it to me.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I have a rubber one on mine, been on and off a few times, no issues that I can see...

.

He's talking the head gasket NOT the cam cover gasket !!!

[GateKeeper]

A rubber head gasket?

Never seen one.

.

I think mayhaps you're thinking of the valve cover gasket?
I've never seen a rubber head gasket. I've seen multi layer steel, and that waffle fiber like material they used on the early 8v from the factory, never seen a rubber head gasket though.

He's talking the head gasket NOT the cam cover gasket !!!

Dammit.....

I knew this senior moment crap was going to catch up with me sooner or latter.....

Thanks for setting me straight, it's exactly what I was talking about and thinking about,,,,,,the valve cover gasket.....dooooohhhh

I will now go back to reading and edumacting myself some more....

[7981GS]

Dammit.....

I knew this senior moment crap was going to catch up with me sooner or latter.....

LMAO!
Thanks!

Eric

[hampshirehog]

A rubber head gasket?

Never seen one.

.

Not on a GS maybe but do Banshee head O rings count?

[Sunburn]

Yes it can be reused..BUT WHY????? Why try to reuse an already CRUSHED DOWN gasket and throw wrenches and curse for 3 hrs when its crap. That just doesnt add up to any kind of logical sense in my mind...sorry.

For some people $100 bucks might be a month of saving. So it might be worth the risk of failure VS the risk of lost time.

[argonsagas]

For some people $100 bucks might be a month of saving. So it might be worth the risk of failure VS the risk of lost time.

That is a good point. It CAN work, as well.
I have successfully done a second install in the past, using the same gasket.

If the torque was applied evenly, and no other damage ensued, it can work.

[argonsagas]

A rubber head gasket?

Never seen one.

.

They could be just what you need when the head is badly warped