Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

[BoostedSUV]

Some of you know the predicament I'm in with a cracked cylinder. I'm compiling parts to rebuild and I've heard (from some people) that you can reuse cometic gaskets. We've done it in a pinch with the race engines but what about a street vehicle? Gaskets came off looking perfect. Not trying to be cheap but if I can save expenses with out sacrificing dependability I'm all for it. Copper spray gasket them and put them back on? Suck it up and order new ones? Just get regular felpro? What's your thoughts?

 

[Slyclone]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Pretty sure they are a 1 shot deal. I have never heard of re-using a head gasket. Not trying to knock you but I think its best to buy new.

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I figured once they're compressed it's best to replace them (which is the plan) but I have heard you can reuse them them without issue. They're layered gaskets not like a regular head gasket. Just asking opinions and experiences

 

[e95 Ty]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Cometics are reusable. However I wouldn't reuse em, but that's just me. Not worth any risk if the engine had damage..

Either way new or used, drill out rivets, clean all surfaces, (copper coat, hylomar or Peratex high tack) all layers is what I have been told from some very reputable engine builders...I just did this, PM me if you want and I'll shoot u my cell.

Matt

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Cometics are reusable. However I wouldn't reuse em, but that's just me. Not worth any risk if the engine had damage..

Either way new or used, drill out rivets, clean all surfaces, (copper coat, hylomar or Peratex high tack) all layers is what I have been told from some very reputable engine builders...I just did this, PM me if you want and I'll shoot u my cell.

Matt

Never heard about separating the layers and and spraying them. I use them on 16:1 compression big blocks and just lightly spray with copper spray gasket. Interesting

 

[Syclone#2960]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I reuse mine...never had a problem. Just copper spray them after a good cleaning with the green soap.

 

[e95 Ty]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Never heard about separating the layers and and spraying them. I use them on 16:1 compression big blocks and just lightly spray with copper spray gasket. Interesting

Just telling you what I've learned..
There have been some instances of particles getting in between the layers causing problems, thus the reason for separating the layers, cleaning very carefully and then coating all the layers.
The coating also helps with engine/head deck machining imperfections...

Again, just trying to help you out and share what I've learned from my own experiance

 

[BMFB]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I am a reuser of cometics. The only thing is they have to be pretty flat. if they are warped it seems to mean that some part of the gasket it thinner than the rest, and could cause issues.

Other than a really obvious warp they are good to go. I clean them off as well as I can with brake cleaner, and then put three or four light coats of permatex copper spray on them. you have to take them apart and get between every layer. Do not mess up which order they go in. itll look kinda like this:



theres a bunch of random pics in my build thread as well.

http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=86353&page=19

also double check the flatness of everything. I had to get creative with my block...but so far so good!

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Just telling you what I've learned..
There have been some instances of particles getting in between the layers causing problems, thus the reason for separating the layers, cleaning very carefully and then coating all the layers.
The coating also helps with engine/head deck machining imperfections...

Again, just trying to help you out and share what I've learned from my own experiance

I wasn't questioning your method just inquiring. Certainly makes a lot of sense, especially if reusing them. Thanks for the tip for sure!

 

[cloneman315]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I would never do it. Just me

 

[T-Bone]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I would never do it. Just me

...me neither. Pinching pennies in the build stage results in dropping dollars in the rebuild stage (and normally there is NOT a great span of time between the two events).

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I would never do it. Just me

...me neither. Pinching pennies in the build stage results in dropping dollars in the rebuild stage (and normally there is NOT a great span of time between the two events).

I would normally be the first one to say "just change them" but I just bought them and it hurts buying them again! But you're right, trying to save $200 now could be a big mistake later. I'll probably hang them up on the wall "just in case" because that way I'll never need them.

 

[T-Bone]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

I'll probably hang them up on the wall "just in case" because that way I'll never need them.

Isn't that the truth

 

[cloneman315]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Its like I tell my customers, some people would rather spend a dime three times than a quarter once.....

 

[Logan]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Everytime I have cut a corner it has bit me on the back side. For a race engine that you are going to take apart more than once or a beater/toy project I would be all for it but for something that I don't want to worry about daily driving I would fork over the cash for the "insurance" factor.

 

[Don W.]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

All comments that have applied to me one way or another. I HAVE reused Cometics, once. This was on a fairly fresh motor that had not been raced. Motor was ultimately raced on the reused gaskets. No issues. Current build has two different thickness gaskets to make each side "match." Previous shop had done a crappy job decking.

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

All comments that have applied to me one way or another. I HAVE reused Cometics, once. This was on a fairly fresh motor that had not been raced. Motor was ultimately raced on the reused gaskets. No issues. Current build has two different thickness gaskets to make each side "match." Previous shop had done a crappy job decking.

That's where I'm at too Don. Fairly fresh motor, as in only a couple 100 miles, and mostly idle time. Gaskets look perfect and I doubt it will be an issue reusing them BUT I'm still skeptical. I'm not one to cheap out and cut corners, but I also don't like throwing away money I don't have to. I'll probably just get new ones but I was curious about others experience/thoughts.

 

[BMFB]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

If you don't wanna reuse them you wanna send them my way?

 

[Don W.]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

Cometics are not cheap. If the surfaces are smooth and FLAT, and since it's not my motor, reuse 'em. :roll: Seriously, the risk is you're pulling heads with the motor in the truck. If you're willing to take that bet then have at it.:2cents: Or flip a coin.

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: Reusing cometics? Thoughts?

If you don't wanna reuse them you wanna send them my way?

That's a possibility but they won't be free lol at almost $100 each new I'll keep them "just I case".

Cometics are not cheap. If the surfaces are smooth and FLAT, and since it's not my motor, reuse 'em. :roll: Seriously, the risk is you're pulling heads with the motor in the truck. If you're willing to take that bet then have at it.:2cents: Or flip a coin.

Even though I think they'll be fine I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THIS TRUCK APART EVER AGAIN. I'm going to order some new ones.

I'm having a hard time finding them for standard or 4.030 bore though. Everything I find is 060 bore?