Forum

[Steve]

Can composite head gaskets be reused? Machine in question is an unmodified 700cc twin.

[MadMike]

No. Copper ones can be annealed and reused but composite ones should be replaced. Why would you want to reuse it anyway?

[Alan (Lancashire)]

Yes anything can be reused , in the case of a composite head gasket , that would be sent back to china/india and be part of a set of brake shoes/pads.

no you cannot reuse it a sa head gasket

[Craig]

When Poor (Most of the Time) I Have used Compo Gaskets Covered in Blue H ( Or Plumbers silicone) and survived (On Other Bikes) A Lot Depends on How Badly its Been,Crushed,Burnt,Used,,,But For A Head Gasket For The Price and Peace of Mind I Would Say & And agree with the Others BUY NEW........

[Alan R]

Hi guys---------- my practical contribution to this thread is }--- YES, you can provided that it's not torn when removing the head etc.....My No1. Bullet head has been off twice this year ie ( Swap cyl. head for A.N. other--- then again as Exhaust Valve seat had come loose).........So that's initial fitting, ie dry with NO grease or "goo" then 2 more times as mentioned....Torqued in sequence to correct figure....No probs !!!..... On both occasions it stayed attached to the barrel so I left well alone.....Just remember to check the assembled clearance between head and barrel when clean and dry ( I run mine between ZERO to 0.010" ( As long as the gap is SMALLER than the gasket thickness then the gasket will be gripped by the head..).......... When you remove the head the lip at the top of the barrel should have combustion products on it................Works for me chaps and saved approx £10-15 in the process....