Reusing metal head gaskets

[whenmunkysfly]

I know there are threads on here that already talk about it but I wanted to see what people think about reuseing an hks 2.0 stopper mhg. I put on in my engine when I built it but my next step would be to build the head I have a spare head that I'm going to build. I justwondering if when I'm done with my head if I should just put it on the engine that's in the car or build my spare engine and have the engine I already built be my spare. I really don't feel like fucking up a $300 head gasket if I shouldn't reuse it.

 

[starscream5000]

If you reuse the stopper, make sure you remove ALL viton from the gasket and clean off the block and you should already have the head done . All layers of the gasket must be free of viton, you should probably spray copper seal on the gasket when you instal it (make sure it's tacky right before you put it on).

 

[whenmunkysfly]

alright thanks.

 

[loki2043]

my machinist said do not reuse a MHG... i trust him..hes worked on tons of 7m's and knows a shit load.

then again hes kinda old school but who knows! i know i wont reuse mine!

 

[starscream5000]

I don't personally support reusing MHG's, BUT, if you do, you should at least take the precautionary steps that I mentioned earlier .

 

[jdub]

my machinist said do not reuse a MHG... i trust him..hes worked on tons of 7m's and knows a shit load.

then again hes kinda old school but who knows! i know i wont reuse mine!

Well...IJ re-used his

And I know a lot of people who have. It's perfectly safe to do so...if it's not damaged or bent...especially considering the cost of a HKS Stopper. Like previously mentioned, clean off all the old viton sealer (paint thinner works well) and give it a good coat of copper sealer to replace the viton. The RA spec for the Stopper still apply.

 

[whenmunkysfly]

Well I know I don't want to spend another $300 on a mhg that i just put in. and I also know i don't feel like building my spare right now since that would be around $3.5k like it was last time if not more.

 

[yaitsme]

Right there with ya ...

Fresh build soon to be complete - HKS stopper.

On the list for Crower Cams ... spare head to be prepped for the new valvetrain after the groupbuy goes through (okay, maybe months after - lol). I went ahead and ordered another stopper. Considering the investment in the "new" head ... a fresh mhg seems like the "right way" to do it.



Though I'm sure it can be done successfully by re-using.

 

[jdub]

Ummm...I wrote that thread

It's the viton that causes the problem...you have to remove it to re-use a MHG for the reasons in that thread. Also, to re-use it, you have to have something to effect the initial seal...that's why in this case a spray sealer is a good idea. Just make sure all the viton is removed.

 

[starscream5000]

I'm glad you used the search function debrucer, that's something many ppl on here need to do more often. Every time a question is asked about stuff on here that has been covered in great detail already, I prefer to keep the answers plain and simple. If they need more reasoning behind the answer I give, they can SEARCH . I'm not here to spoon feed every bit of information to these ppl. I give them enough info to basically know what's going on, and if they need more info, it's on here, just search, plain and simple.

Oh, and where did I mention that advice elsewhere on this site suddenly doesn't apply?

 

[QWIKSTRIKE]

Just check EVERYWHERE for Cracks. I reused mine 3xs, and didnt check it for cracks the last time, and I had to tear it down and reinstall a new HG. Just check for cracks and you can use copper spray after all of the material is cleaned off. Another friend found out that after a few uses he had a crack too.

 

[whenmunkysfly]

I'm glad you used the search function debrucer, that's something many ppl on here need to do more often. Every time a question is asked about stuff on here that has been covered in great detail already, I prefer to keep the answers plain and simple. If they need more reasoning behind the answer I give, they can SEARCH . I'm not here to spoon feed every bit of information to these ppl. I give them enough info to basically know what's going on, and if they need more info, it's on here, just search, plain and simple.

Oh, and where did I mention that advice elsewhere on this site suddenly doesn't apply?

I hope that wasn't towards me because if it was I stated from the start that I was looking for opitions not just the answer because I had heard both opinions before.

 

[starscream5000]

No, it wasn't towards you .

 

[tig321]

for those of you that have removed the viton from your mhg, how long exactly did it take?

I spent about an hour and tried brake clean, paint thinner and acetone. I finished less than 1/8 of one side. I tried a credit card and a few kinds of nylon scrubbies. Acetone seemed to work the best but at this rate it's going to take MANY hours. The viton seems hardened in places, and is really, really stubborn.

 

[jdub]

Yep...cracks in a MHG is a bad thing.
If you inspect it and find any damage to the metal at all, the MHG is toast.

Tig - soak the MHG in paint thinner over night...that should soften the old viton up

 

[tig321]

^^Thanks Jdub^^
I did as you suggested, it did help. I took 99% of with thinner the last 1% that was stuck in the bead I removed with acetone. I found it made it easier. You may want to try acetone if you have not already, It seems like the better solvent for viton.

If you ever feel like going through that again, right now I sure don't. I haven't been single for so long, I've lost that wrist action:naughty:

 

[86supra7mge-t]

just not worth reusing. I was going to reuse my 1.2mm, which had a whopping 300 miles on it, but then realized how dumb it would be to put a used headgasket in, then assemble everything and find out its leaking...just because you didn't want to spend $150...

 

[starscream5000]

That's why you do a close, meticulous inspection of the gasket before you decide to reuse it .

 

[whenmunkysfly]

just not worth reusing. I was going to reuse my 1.2mm, which had a whopping 300 miles on it, but then realized how dumb it would be to put a used headgasket in, then assemble everything and find out its leaking...just because you didn't want to spend $150...

there is a prob. with your statement I don't get to buy the $150 one I get to buy the $350 one because one my pistons stick out of my block at tdc ever so slightly. and Two I could get the head off and back on in one day I'm sure so the time iis not and issue. And last I have four cars so if the supra is down because I have to wait for another mhg to come in it's not going to hurt me.

 

[starscream5000]

That's the best way to go about it IMO. I've also got two other DD's, so when I work on my supra, I take my time with it to make sure things are done right .