How do I tell if this head gasket is shot or not?

scooternewby · Post by **scooternewby** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:13 pm

So I want this thing to work! I didnt replace this last time. How do I know if its not worth using? I cant get a new one untill tuesday, but if this one is ok. . .

Dac · Post by **Dac** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:25 pm

i would use it.

scooternewby · Post by **scooternewby** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:14 pm

And the little "W" on there, do I line that up with the one on the head?

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:43 pm

Reusing head gaskets is always a bad idea. Once they ar crushed (used once) they have to much potential to not work right (leak), besides they are to cheap not to replace with new.

scooternewby · Post by **scooternewby** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 4:40 pm

Well its already ordered, so I guess i'll wait.

But, just out of curiosity, what kinds of problems can occur with a used head gasket?

Wheelman-111 · Post by **Wheelman-111** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 5:04 pm

Greetings:

If the gasket fails to seal properly, your compression and therefore power will be low. I have no direct experience with hotspots and other demons, but I've read about issues affecting longevity as well as lost power.

Blowing mixture and oil out the crack will make a mess, too.

Bear45-70 · Post by **Bear45-70** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:43 pm

A blown gasket with an aluminum head can also create a groove in the head but the hot gasses as they move out of the cylinder.

Twilight · Post by **Twilight** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:44 pm

I have never re used a head gasket, its too risky for your engine. It creates a lean condition, air leaks, and can make the piston do a poof-kaboom.

Kenny_McCormic · Post by **Kenny_McCormic** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:51 pm

Twilight wrote:I have never re used a head gasket, its too risky for your engine. It creates a lean condition, air leaks, and can make the piston do a poof-kaboom.

Nah its more like, "d*** this thing runs like a bat out of *" NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BOOOOOOG CLUNK and then you find lots of molten aluminum in the bore.

Twilight · Post by **Twilight** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 11:08 pm

Its the most common thing on dirtbikes, replaced top end, didnt get a new head gasket, sucked air, got hot.. boom.

Dac · Post by **Dac** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 11:41 pm

scooternewby wrote:Well its already ordered, so I guess i'll wait.

But, just out of curiosity, what kinds of problems can occur with a used head gasket?

any news?

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How do I tell if this head gasket is shot or not?

How do I tell if this head gasket is shot or not?

Gaskets