Another stupid question.

[tsteiner61]

I want to mock up my piston to head/valve clearances and want to know if my head gasket is reusable once I torque the head down. I'd hate to think I have to waste a new set of gaskets to check my clearances, but it seems to me that once the gasket is compressed, it wouldn't be good to seal anymore if I retorque the head. ????????????

[sanborn]

We use old head gaskets for checking of deck, valve relief, etc. But, if you don't have good, old gaskets available, you can use the new gasket, just don't torque it. Very lightly tighten the head studs. I don't think you will have a problem.

I know of racers that have reused head gaskets-I have always been chicken-even though the ones we use are $60 each.

[dirty dan]

Go out and get an exta (1) head gasket and use it on both sides of the engine. The price of a head gasket is cheaper then starting over.Racers do reuse head gaskets if they are copper gaskets. That is What I use they sell for about $70. I don`t know what Sanborn is useing but Iam curious .

[6 packin]

Hey just a thought but why not just figure in compressed thickness of gasket I know felpro is about .043 ! It would save a few buckst add it in with your piston to valve or measurments or what ever your planing to do!

[djswwg]

I have re-used the fel-pro head gaskets on my 440 at least 4 times in the last 12 years. Zero problems. 11.5:1 compression..............djs