well let me start by saying i'm a dumb ***, lol i installed the headgasket upside down put car back together crunk and was leaking oil between head and block. took it apart and i had the gasket installed wrong. my question is can i reuse the head gasket if it still looks brand new? it mls not the composite crap. i know it would be best to buy a new one. but i am broke. so it either put it back together and try the gasket or wait till friday to buy a new gasket. i washed the gasket with warm soapy water and inspected it and there is no scratches or anything that looks like it would affect it sealing. anyone had a similar problem?

 

I had this happen in my rookie days as well. As long as the gasket is new, there are no puncture in the metal and not bent in jacket pockets then you are good. I reversed mine the same day and the gasket never gave me a problem after that.

 

yeah it looks great, no scratch, no bends, no impressions even. i am going to put it back together today. if it leaks i will just have to pull it back apart. they say the third times a charm.

 

im just curious OP, did you have any problems after reversing it?

 

I've seen old HG used before with copper spray for a piece of mind.

 

When I built my motor, I realized later, the K20 piston had to be installed backward in the F23. I had already torqued the head. Ive had no issue when I re-installed the gasket and its been 6000 miles.