Reusing gaskets?

careyo63 · Mar 17, 2009

Leaks don't get better they just get better at leaking.

Soundguy · Mar 21, 2009

yep...

SPYDERLK · Mar 21, 2009

Soundguy said:
Sure it is. Any leak ( and a seeping gasket is a leak ).. can eventually lead to a lube failure if you aren't on your tows. The slower the leak.. the more chances the OP has of finding it and correcting it before engine damage occurs.

Don't matter if it is a missing oil sender or an oil pan where the old gasket pushed out the side allowing oil to slosh out wildley.

a leak is a leak is a leak.

soundguy

No... A match is not a forest fire assuming the user is conscious. An oilpan where the gasket pushes out to escape the normal clamped position is about as likely as spontaneous combustion in undisturbed woods.
larry

SPYDERLK · Mar 21, 2009

careyo63 said:
Leaks don't get better they just get better at leaking.

Really? Would that be always?
larry

careyo63 · Mar 21, 2009

Most likely.If the seal or gasket is leaking or failing it will continue to deteriorate.Some may be slow others may be rather quickly.Or I suppose you could just let it go and keep replaceing the fluid and cleaning up the mess or neithter.Of course it may not be worth fixing a piece of junk.

JoelD · Mar 21, 2009

I always replace gaskets.

To be honest, if it's an old riding mower trying to get running again and don't really care how it plays out, I won't.

On my Kioti and cars and truck, always replace, whether or not I could technically re-use, nothing worse than job done and then need to re-do.

Joel

irwin · Mar 21, 2009

Auto repair is my business. I almost always use a new gasket .., but if it's not possible to get one quickly I'll use "Right Stuff" gasket maker, the best I've found. (as a couple guys already mentioned) http://www.permatex.com/products/Au...uto_Permatex_the_Right_Stuff_Gasket_Maker.htm

Soundguy · Mar 22, 2009

SPYDERLK said:
No... A match is not a forest fire assuming the user is conscious. An oilpan where the gasket pushes out to escape the normal clamped position is about as likely as spontaneous combustion in undisturbed woods.
larry

A match is a potential forest fire.

one cannot assume an operator will always be looking at the dash gauges. I've simply seen TOO MUCH equipment come into our shop that got burned up from someone not looking at a gauge.. . it simply doesn't take long for a bad situation to occur if you get distracted.

that's why you hedge your bets and use new gaskets if at all possible... thus reducing the risk of a leak due to gasket failure.

sure you can drive without car insurance.. it's not a problem till you get pulled over or are in an accident.. then it's a problem.

I can't seem to think of a GOOD argument AGAINST using new gaskets where possible.

You want new needles at the doctors office right? heck.. could save money and clean the old ones in bleach and chlorhexadine, and be 99.9% safe... it's that .1 % that causes the problems!

Any profesional engine rebuilders here that reuse old gaskets when you rebuild and sell your engines? ???

soundguy

DieselPower · Mar 22, 2009

Rebuilt many a engine over the years in automobiles, OTR trucks and ag tractors and I never reuse gaskets, seals or o-rings. Considering the low cost of sealing materials when compared to the cost of what your working on it's a cheap investment in a high quality repair.

Soundguy · Mar 22, 2009

yep. Reminds me of the lift cover on a ford hundred series. has a gasket and a decent 'handfull' of assorted oring by the time you do the option cover and cyl.

most if not all of mine looked good, save for the 2 that were leaking... mind you it was a couple hours to take it apart and an hour back together.. I'd have been a FOOL not to repalce them all while it was off.. especially since the entire kit was 10$

soundguy