not what the title sounds like but can i re-use a new headgasket thats been torqued and ran for about 5 seconds?? wasent sure and figured ide ask, i finally got my head back from the machine shop and shes ready to go if i can reuse it if not i gotta buy another one

 

I sure as hell wouldn't. You've contaminated the surfaces with oil and coolant and it's already been pressed. You're asking for premature failure.

 

For how much it costs to pick up another versus the hours its takes to replace one before you should have to again I think its worth it just to buy another.

 

10-4 just wanted somebody els to confirm my paranoia

 

x68324, don't reuse it. It costs much more for the hospital bills when you whack your head against the wall instead of just putting 40 into a new gasket. not to mention time, frustration, busted knuckles, yadayadayada...

 

The gasket has already been squashed and moulded itself to the block and head, no way your old gasket will match your newly machined head.

 

And do NOT try to use this excuse in divorce court.