is it ok to reuse a brand new oem hg thats been trq down already?

[queenskid926]

Ok here is my scenario, Me and my bro is assembling my stock rebuilt 7m, went to go tighten down valve cover bolts that i have instead of the stock screws and my bro stupid fingers let one slip and it fell straight down the spark plug hole for cylinder 3. You guys should've saw the look on my face. But its my fault, I should've had spark plugs in there or something to cover the wholes. Lesson learned.

My question is this, I already trq down the stock headgasket coated with copper spray to 80 ft lbs using arp studs. If i take off the head to get the bolt, i can still use the same head gasket correct? Being that its been trq down once shouldnt affect anything should it?

 

[mecevans]

try a vacuum or magnet.

 

[shaeff]

You can get that out without removing the head.

 

[92nsx]

try a vacuum or magnet.

+1. I would try every other resource available before removing the head and trying to reuse the HG.

 

[queenskid926]

You can get that out without removing the head.

well so far all i tried was just turning the motor up side down on the engine stand, shaking it, didnt work, Ill go buy a friend house 2moro and try and use a small magnet or something, but right now im just too pissed

 

[queenskid926]

yea imma go to autozone tomoro and see if they have a small enough telescoping magnet that can fit. Yea sometimes when shyt like this happens u just gotta walk away for a second and take a break because i was def just about to selling the motor and just say fuck it and go 2j lol

 

[mecevans]

stop sweating the small stuff dude. at least you found out it was in there NOW and not LATER. you'll get it out.

 

[CajunKenny]

Definitely try to get it out and remove the head only as a last resort. Great suggestions have been given. Vacum...magnet...

If it comes down to pulling the head, I would think that unless it was damaged in some way, you can re-use it. I would re-clean the block and head surfaces and re-spray the gasket first though.

If you're at all unsure of the condition of the gasket upon removal, just go spend $20 bucks and get another one. That's cheap piece of mind.

 

[queenskid926]

If you're at all unsure of the condition of the gasket upon removal, just go spend $20 bucks and get another one. That's cheap piece of mind.

20 bucks? I got mines from the dealer 80 bucks plus a week wait. Even the felpro is in that same range 70 bucks or so.

But i will def go and try with a magnet and vacuum tomorow. thanks guys for the response. My immediate anger and frustration is wearing off so tomoro i can attack it with a cool head

 

[CajunKenny]

80 bucks!? I bought a felpro from Schucks for $20 about 2 years ago!

Hmm...maybe he rung me up wrong or something...:dunno:

 

[dumbo]

If you can turn it upside down your well ahead of the game. I would make sure the valves are closed though. Magnet well do the trick.

 

[IJ.]

Just in case it needs saying DO NOT TURN THE CRANK till it's out....

 

[dumbo]

Just in case it needs saying DO NOT TURN THE CRANK till it's out....

Haha good call...