can a head gasket be re-used or does it have to be replaced everytime the head is taken off and checked? and also can a cars engine steam from just gunk alone or would there have to be an underlying cause.
2007-01-29 03:12:46 · 9 answers · asked by bhafc87 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
head gaskets cannot be re-used and if steam is coming from radiator or header tank there is a underlying problem, i,e some cheapskate has refitted a used head gasket
2007-01-29 03:23:49 · answer #1 · answered by trevor s 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have reused head gaskets. It depends on the car. The copper/asbestos type which are/were thick and soft work quite well. the modern pressed ones from a single sheet or those with moulded in seal rings just renew.
If you are tempted to reuse a gasket check it is undamaged and refit it with a good coat of Osotite on each side after cleaning it up.
Depend how broke you are - it's risk which you must decide on!
One thing whenever renewing a head gasket whether new or old is to remove the studs from the block and clean the head and block surfaces.
If there is build up or pulled up metal from the threads round where the studs enter the block the seal will always be poor.
RoyS
2007-01-29 04:37:57 · answer #2 · answered by Roy S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the head off and the car is heating i would have the head checked for cracks and make sure it isn't warped.As far as a new head gasket,why would you try to reuse it the are cheaper then pulling the the engine apart again and most times they shouldn't be reused because the copper in them crushes when the head is torqued to fill in little imperfections between the head and the block.
2007-01-29 03:19:31 · answer #3 · answered by big_blue_oval 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most all head gaskets can not be reused, along with the head bolts on many newer cars with Torque to Yield bolts.
Steam from just gunk??
2007-01-29 03:20:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You ain't got a vauxhall by any chance? Renew the gasket, Gunk produces a cloud for a short time only when 1st applied.
2007-01-29 03:22:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Renew the gasket upon head removal
2007-01-29 03:19:39 · answer #6 · answered by Sir Sidney Snot 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HI yes you do have to replace the gasket every time unfortunately. you should replays every gasket you take off any part of the engine
2007-01-29 03:26:26 · answer #7 · answered by stugale4 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Head gaskets are only able to be used once as they rely on compression to seal properly.
2007-01-29 05:38:58 · answer #8 · answered by Bandit600 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you enjoy removing heads. Reuse it.
No, engines don't steam. They get hot, but don't steam unless they're broke.
2007-01-29 03:20:01 · answer #9 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋