How many people reuse oring gaskets if they look good?

[99slpss]

I am doing a top end and all the gaskets look good so I was just thinking of getting the Base gasket and call it good. Is this a bad Idea?? I have reused oringed items on cars and such so I figure should be fine in this situation.

Dan

 

[Oregonsledder]

They are cheap, replace them unless you like tearing it down again to do so.

 

[diamonddave]

They are cheap, replace them unless you like tearing it down again to do so.

Yep agree 100%. They are always replaced when I remove a head.

 

[99slpss]

Sounds good! I was leaning that direction.

 

[grumpyoldbastard]

don't forget the one on top as well. Made that mistake this year. lol

 

[99slpss]

don't forget the one on top as well. Made that mistake this year. lol

Which one on top?

 

[4Z]

LOL.... I have reused all of them (cover, head o-rings and metal base gasket) multiple times. The metal base gasket will get a SUPER THIN coating of Right Stuff sillycone after the second use around the water passage. Inspect the o-rings closely and reuse if they look good, not deformed, nicked or cut. Always give a little grease to them so they stay put when moving the head around to find the holes when installing the head bolts. Also the grease primes the seal..... never had an issue since 1993.... except for when the threads in the jug pulled out (poor casting) on one of my 1200 watercraft motors......

Heck, I used to run my 800 mod twin motors without a base gasket and just sillycone

 

[snowdog484]

I did it once. Lesson learned, never again

 

[89sandman]

I've reused orings lots of times. I'd rather not but if its a choice between riding or sitting home and waiting for orings I'll chance the orings everytime.

 

[Boyko]

I have, if they fit.

 

[izzni]

We reused the headgasket on Polaris fuji 500 that had been in use for 12 years when we found the gasket kit was the wrong one. Sled has gone 2 years after that without an issue.

 

[NDFARMER95]

I reused the base gasket and O-rings when I did my drop in kit. Sled had 0 miles on it. Not sure that really makes a difference. No problems so far knock on wood.

 

[grumpyoldbastard]

Which one on top?

Top of the head between cover and head. Put on a new head and forgot about the one on top.

 

[Pro-8250]

How much do you save by not replacing them?

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

How much do you save by not replacing them?

Alot less than pushing coolant into the cylinder and siezing the motor.
Main head o rings are $10-$12 each.

 

[Snowbird11]

if i recall correctly a gasket kit for the top end is around $50-80 for the top end. I've been in and out of my top end a fair amount and have not replaced every time but i am pretty anal about torque patterns and inspecting the gaskets for damage and overall condition. visually some damage can be impossible to catch, so i do a leakdown test after putting it all back together.



initially i was skeptical about reusing but most polaris and some aftermarket mechanics i spoke with did the same with their personal machines.

to each their own

here is a perspective from a gasket maker:

We are frequently asked about reusing a gasket. We do not recommend this practice. A gasket’s function is to conform to flange high and low spots when compressed, and its ability to reseal decreases after it is compressed. Gaskets which contain rubber and which have experienced elevated temperatures will be even less likely to reseal.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

if i recall correctly a gasket kit for the top end is around $50-80 for the top end. I've been in and out of my top end a fair amount and have not replaced every time but i am pretty anal about torque patterns and inspecting the gaskets for damage and overall condition. visually some damage can be impossible to catch, so i do a leakdown test after putting it all back together.



initially i was skeptical about reusing but most polaris and some aftermarket mechanics i spoke with did the same with their personal machines.

to each their own

here is a perspective from a gasket maker:

We are frequently asked about reusing a gasket. We do not recommend this practice. A gasket’s function is to conform to flange high and low spots when compressed, and its ability to reseal decreases after it is compressed. Gaskets which contain rubber and which have experienced elevated temperatures will be even less likely to reseal.

Dont get me wrong......
Non critical o rings might get re used.
Base gaskets no.
Dome o rings no.

Missing a day of riding for 40-50 bucks........ Criminal.
Not worrying about it. Priceless.

 

[gman086]

What Sheetmetal said and if you DO decide to chance it, keep an eye on your coolant color, LOL! It took me one time to figure out this answer; I got lucky noticing the oil in my coolant before she could seize because of old dome rings. I've reused head gaskets - they're a lot more stout/forgiving but I'll never re-use dome or base gaskets.

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[99slpss]

I went with all new gaskets about $85.00 but it wont be in the back of my mind now!

 

[littleredstroker]

IMO it is absoloutely rediculous to not replace Orings... They are cheap.. once they are used the take a fit, the second use will have a different fit. Will it work? sometimes. Other times it will leave you high and dry saying wtf didnt I change that while I was there... There is a difference between saving money and being cheap.. dont be cheap.

for an example.. new motor in my pickup, ran about 75 miles before i decided to put a different turbo on it. pulled the turbo, thought " hey those pedistal o rings are brand new" and reused them. turbo back in, drove 10 miles and sure as hell.. pissing oil everywhere. So a $.97 piece of rubber cost me a gallon of oil, 3 more hours of time, dirty looks from the prius driving tree huggers as im pissing oil all over the precious earth, and a fair ammount of frustration ... all because I was cheap..

Do it right or dont do it.