Head and valve cover has never been opened. Is it possible to reuse the gasket once? Do I need any special liquid gaskets when putting the valve cover back on? How about the spark plug gaskets?

 

yes, but not recommended.

 

I've reused mine a dozen times with no problems. I just lube it with oil. It's not a crush-type gasket so I don't see why it's bad to reuse them. However since this is the first time you have removed the valve cover, you should replace the gasket anyway.

 

Depends on if you like doing things the right way or wrong way...its so cheap why not replace it? also yes a little dap of gasket sealer in the corners near the cam journal.

 

If you are broke and can't get a new one, it will probably be okay... But its not a "good" idea...

 

I've taken my vc off maybe half a dozen times and never replaced the gasket. Im sure the gasket had been changed before i got the car. The one on there was in good shape and didnt seem deformed at all, so i just gave it a wipe before i but it back on and it never leaked. If its your first time taking it off though, and if it doesnt come off too easy, then you should probably replace it.

 

if it's never been off, it'll probably stick and not want to come off = you'll have to pry the vc off. they're like 10 from crapa, just get one.

i replaced mine the first time...it's been off a bunch of times since. that's the only time i'd say it's "okay" to reuse it.

 

yea re use it its rubber. just check for cracks, missing chunks.

 

hell yeah, dem ***** is rubber son!

 

SEF NOT RECOMMENDED

 

lol you guys are funny, check for cracks/wear, if there is none, your good, i usually put a small bead of gray RTV gasket maker to the bottom and a few small drops in the corners (where the cam passes)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by philosofy1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yes, but not recommended.</TD></TR></TABLE>



I've done it once or twice, but both on my own cars (only temporarily b/c I didn't have the headgasket at the time I was putting the head back on). Same really applies to valve cover gasket.

Unless you just put the valve cover on with a new gasket and had to take the valve cover a week later because say...new rocker arms came in or something - then it's okay.

 

I reused mine.

 

if it isn't deformed or cracked you're fine. mine has been off so many times i can't even remember and it's the stock one that came with the car, and i have no leaks whatsoever. i wish i would have gotten a new one and did it the right way

edit: im refering to the vc gasket only