Reusing Headgasket
 

Well I threw a rod on my Mini-me when my boost spiked on me the other night. I got another D15 block and slapped the Z6 head back on and reused the Z6 head gasket because it was on the other motor for only a week. Well now I am getting little bubles coming up when I have the radiator cap off and the engine running.
My question is, is there any ways to really get off everything from the heaadgasket(like maybe sanding it a little). I used copper spray before and i don't think the acetone got everything completely off. I also used about 2-3 coats of copper spray this time, but I guess I am getting a small leak somewhere.
I am going to just get another headgasket now but I had always heard you could reuse the metal headgaskets and just wanted to know if I did something wrong.
Thanks
Kurt

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

the only time I reuse headgaskets is when I put back a motor for every day driving with no boost. As for reusing when you boost I would not do it. You have to think about all the work you have to do if that gasket does not hold. Unless you are willing to take the risk. 98ctr

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

never ever ever ever ever ever reuse a headgasket, EVER!, though I have heard of people reusing them I have never met anyone who has had any luck in doing so theyre cheap enough just replace it, better safe than sorry with combustion gas in your cooling system

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

Ya, I guess I learned my lesson! I just thought that maybe there was a method of cleaning the gasket surface that allowed you to reuse them since they are metal. I mean I have reused my exhaust gasket many many times. I guess the cylinder pressures that the exhaust gasket sees is a lot lower than what the headgasket takes.
Thanks for the help and if any one else has some thoughts feel free to chime in. I'd like to know if ANYONE has had any luck reusing the headgasket or if it is just a myth.

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

nice.... noobs answering noobs

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

Ya well I guess the noob thing is fair since I have a small amount of posts HERE, but come on man, I haven't seen any real answer to this question. I guess it's just a matter of opinion though. ;) I just wanted to know if anyone had any luck reusing thier headgasket. Thanks for the help though. ;D

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

I wouldn't reuse the gasket, especially if it's gonna see boost. I have personally reused the thicker d15 head gaskets, although the motor only ran for a grand total of 30 seconds before the head locked. Besides, I needed to get home and ran outta cash ;D But otherwise, don't skimp on this one.

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

yea you can reuse them many many time, i got 3 of them sitting in my house, you can have them all for a bill. 8)

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

I have reused my metal head gaskets. After a good cleaning and inspection of them. I have one in my girls car D16Y8 that its been running for about one year now. It puts out a woping 118 hp and 105 lbs tq at the wheels.

Like my previous post said, I would never reuse one in any boosting situations due to the rased cyl. pressures in the chamber. 98ctr

Re:Reusing Headgasket
 

I'd reuse them for all motor apps.. but boosted, I'd say no.