Reusing gaskets?

[canoetrpr]

I just pulled my oil pan from my L3400 and was over to borrow something from my neighbour when he pointed out normally one replaces gaskets when you take things on your engine apart.

He suggested that alternatively I could use some 'gasket goo' and re-use the gasket.

Not having much experience with much mechanical I had no idea and I figured that the gasket would be fine. The gasket is still attached to the engine - it did not come off with the oil pan. It looks perfectly fine as best I can tell from under the tractor.

I was going to just put a film of oil on it - as I do with a oil filter - before putting it back on.

Being mechanically naive, I would appreciate if anybody has any thoughts on this. I DON'T want this to leak once I get it back together. If the general consensus is that gaskets should always be replaced, that is what I will do. Should I always use some 'gasket goo' stuff when putting pieces like this back together, or is a film of oil good enough?

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

I would replace the gasket if it is paper and readily available. If not reuse the old one.If is rubber put it back together On paper gaskets I use 3M weather strip adheasive.
Bill

 

[canoetrpr]

I'm quite sure that this guy is rubber. I can feel it and it sure as heck is not paper thin. I would have to pry it off the engine with a blade or something to take it off.

 

[Matt_Jr]

If the gasket is rubber DO NOT use any silicone adhesive or sealent of any kind. Just wipe it down and install the pan DRY. If it's cork or fibrous I would use a new one. Another option is remove the old one and use RTV. I like the copper RTV 'cause in the automotive and truck field it seems to hold up the best. A few of my coworkers like to use weatherstripping adhesive. If you choose to install a new gasket put a small amount of RTV where the timing cover and engine come together and any other place where there may be two metal pieces coming together(some rear mains). Good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

Ditto what the others said.. rubber -may- be reused.. but IMHO.. I'd repalce it just because...

paper and cork.. always replace...

soundguy

 

[3RRL]

Another vote that you can reuse the rubber gaskets.
I would check that it is still flexible and resilient ... not hardened up though. If it is, then replace it.
You can get gasket material in sheets at Napa or like Automotive store so you can make your own paper or cork gaskets. That's what I do for my Kama. They have a variety of gasket materials to choose from. A good automotive mechanic or knowledgeable clerk can assist you with what gasket material to get for your application and also what kind of sealer (if any) is to be used. I think they have rubber sheets too, but I've never asked them for that.
Rob-

 

[canoetrpr]

Right now the gasket is stuck to the engine. I expected it to fall off with the oil pan.

As it sits it is perfectly positioned. If I was to remove it to inspect, I would probably just replace.

Any tips on getting the gasket aligned properly on the oil pan if I take it off and replace. I figured if I could use sealant, I could position it and it would stay in place while I torqued the bolts. Doubt it will dry.

Interstingly enough the parts guy at the Kubota dealer suggested using automotive silicone and reusing the existing gasket. Does not sound like his silicone advice was correct tho.

I'm sorry these questions are probably terribly basic. On the bright side, I get to learn all this stuff so it makes up for my stupidity in stripping my oil pan threads.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

If you replace the gasket glue it to the pan. Put a couple of bolts through the holes to hold it in place while the sealant gets tacky. Then install the pan. Do not use silicone with a rubber gasket.
Bill

 

[canoetrpr]

Hooked_on_hp, did you say glue? What sort of glue are we talking here?

Best I can tell it looks like rubber to me. It sure as heck isn't paper or cork. If it is not rubber, not sure what it could be.

 

[Soundguy]

Permatex makes some good gasket goo.

rtv silicone is not the best for gaskets.. usually makes them squeze or push out.. etc.

soundguy

 

[Danno1]

.

And don't pre-oil paper or cork gaskets like you do w an oil filter.

Also, they should be (must be) used w a gasket cement. I like Indian Head brand, but others are fine too.

.

 

[canoetrpr]

Thanks for the tips so far guys.

Soundguy - the Canadian Tire stores up here carry various Permatex products but most seem to be gasket makers of some sort.

The closest thing that I could find from Permatex here that could qualify as general purpose goo for gaskets is this. It says it eliminates the need for pre-formed gaskets so I don't know if you can use it in addition to an existing gasket.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Your Kabota dealer should be able to tell you if it is a rubber gasket. When I said glue I was refering to gasket sealer. If you have a rubber gasket dont put anything on it. If you have paper or cork use a gasket cement/sealer.
Bill

 

[Scooby074]

Canoe, I wouldnt use the stuff you listed. THeres no link to the actual permitex product, but it sounds like 518. Thats usually used on machined surfaces without gaskets.

If rubber, just leave it where it is and reuse.

If paper, leave it where it is and put some gasket cement on the pan flange and bolt it back in place ( use something like aviation form a gasket from permitex. available at Pauto and cdn tire i think)
http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/auto_Permatex_Aviation_Form-A-Gasket_No_3_Sealant_a.htm.

Or remove all the gaskets and use this http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_the_Right_Stuff_Gasket_Maker.htm

I no longer make or buy pan gaskets since discovering "the Right Stuff". Best gasket ever And it even comes in a spray cheese can

 

[canoetrpr]

Gotta tell you, I am really impressed with all these spray on gasket products that are available. I went to Princess Auto today and I was amazed at the variety. They had ones that were sensor safe and so on.

I'm pretty sure the one I've got here is rubber so I guess I will reuse dry. More than anything, I think I'm going to reuse because it is perfectly aligned and it really does seem to be in good shape.

 

[Soundguy]

.

And don't pre-oil paper or cork gaskets like you do w an oil filter.

Also, they should be (must be) used w a gasket cement. I like Indian Head brand, but others are fine too.

.

Not all paper gaskets get goop.

ford N hyd top and bottom cover gaskets go on dry.. goop makes the gaskets blow out... it's 1700 psi and 2 metal plates bolted to a casting with an oil hole.. and a gasket as thick as a sheet of typing paper inbetween.

soundguy

 

[joe48]

normally use new only. if you don't you are going to have leaks and be redoing the job.

paper only reuse if emergency or nothing else available, with Permatex.

rubber ok if not stiff and overly crushed. if you have to reuse it, then use a little Permatex on it.

 

[woodlandfarms]

My 2 cents on all of this. It is hard to tell without removing a gasket if it is rubber or rubberized paper / cork

If you use RTV (Gasket in a tube) don't go hog wild with it. A drip inside your oil pan might plug something useful.

If you remove your gasket, inspect both metal surfaces and clean of any residue before applying new gasket or gasket seal. You can use a metal paint scraper to get it nice and clean.

 

[canoetrpr]

I reused the rubber gasket and did not put any goo on it. Everything looks good. No leaks noticed so far.

Thanks so much for all the thoughts.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I reused the rubber gasket and did not put any goo on it. Everything looks good. No leaks noticed so far.

Thanks so much for all the thoughts.

Good choice. What has not been mentioned here is that silicone sealant in contact with the very slightly oiled surfaces of an existing gasket and pan [in your case] will fill any small imperfections and form a release agent between the two sides of a joint. In subsequent removal the gasket will be more likely to stay on the other side. You use a very thin layer - just enuf to feel the stickiness when you spackle it on with a finger. Low pressure gaskets are good for repeated separation of the joint for the life of the engine with this treatment.
larry