Reusing head gaskets

[woody]

Bit off marque but I am not a member of any motocross forums so thought I would try you petrol heads...

I have just rebuilt my kawasaki kxf250 (4 stroke) after putting a hole in the piston, I installed genuine kawasaki head and top gaskets and torques the head up correctly. My newly installed plug didn't work and when winding in the old one which did managed to snap it off in the head (which does back up some theories that the plug got too hot)

Took the head off again to remove it and am wondering if I could reuse the gaskets as they have never got hot since the original install. My mates are split down the middle and being a tight arse I haven't bothered to go and buy new gaskets.

People's opinions will be gratefully received!

Thanks!

[ScoobieWRX]

Once you've torqued those gaskets down they will squash and deform, and will not be the same shape as when unused. When you lift them off you should see indents in the gasket where they've been squished.

It's a bit like using copper washers on banjo bolts. Once they are torqued up the washers squash and become deformed so when you lift them off if you have to undo undo stuff, whether it's been on a few mins or been in use, you should see an indent all the way around. I always use new copper washers every time, same with gaskets wherever they come from.

IMHO i wouldn't risk it. I know it's an expensive exercise but it's the only way to be absolutely sure you won't get any problems afterwards. Some on here may say different, fair enough, each to their own.

The things i did in the old days, i.e. resuing old gaskets, i wouldn't do now because i know better.

[Fast Eddy]

Yes, agree with Francis.

Use a new one to save possible wasted time/hassle/cost of another rebuild. Not worth the risk.

Eddy

[woody]

Ok thanks for the advise guys, I will bite the bullet and order some new ones!