FE Copper Headeer Gasket Question

[Shootnride]

I know the FE header gasket subject has been pretty well beaten to death, but in reviewing past threads I wasn't really able to find any information on re-use of the copper gaskets. Just wanting to know if you guys that are using the copper gaskets have had success in re-using them or are they pretty much a one-time use product.

Thanks for any input.

Ted

[Phill Pollard]

Originally Posted by Shootnride

I know the FE header gasket subject has been pretty well beaten to death, but in reviewing past threads I wasn't really able to find any information on re-use of the copper gaskets. Just wanting to know if you guys that are using the copper gaskets have had success in re-using them or are they pretty much a one-time use product.

Thanks for any input.

Ted

You can reuse them after you anneal them. That is a heating and cooling process that (more or less) "refurbishes" them.


Phill Pollard

[Shootnride]

Thanks for the response Phil. I'm not sure if the gaskets become work hardened from the tightening/compression process, but I suppose annealing then wouldn't hurt anything. I think I would be more concerned about whether or not the raised (embossed ) sealing surfaces are still effective after the gaskets have been compressed. I suppose I can just give it a try. What's the worse that could happen.....just a few more skinned knuckles and an increase in my profanity vocabulary

Ted

[Phill Pollard]

Originally Posted by Shootnride

Thanks for the response Phil. I'm not sure if the gaskets become work hardened from the tightening/compression process, but I suppose annealing then wouldn't hurt anything. I think I would be more concerned about whether or not the raised (embossed ) sealing surfaces are still effective after the gaskets have been compressed. I suppose I can just give it a try. What's the worse that could happen.....just a few more skinned knuckles and an increase in my profanity vocabulary

Ted

I don't have the answers but I know it was a pretty common practice to anneal & reuse.


Phill