Head Gasket

[Rob Neal]

The A65 rebuild continues, albeit a little slowly.  I have to balance garage time with 'essential' household activities to maintain harmony!!!  Ready to fit the head but the head gasket that came with the gasket set I bought seems a little flimsy compared to the original.  It's certainly thinner. The new one is a laminate of thin copper (almost a foil) on either side of what looks like a paper gasket material. The original seems to be a single piece of copper sheet and much more robust.  As this is does not have any splits, cracks or dents my question is, can I clean it off, anneal and re-use it?  Or should I just go with the new one?  Cheers. Rob

[chaz]

I would anneal the old one, when flat it shouldnt leak. The composite ones can sometimes blow.
There is a caveat, that depends where its bought from, some German made ones are better quality. but if thickness is too thin, I wouldnt use.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I suspect that the 'New' type composite gasket was superseded by the solid copper type due to the tendency for the composite ones to fail.  Perhaps you bought an early NOS gasket set.
If the old one is in good condition with no distortion anywhere then anneal it and reuse.

Dave.

[Rob Neal]

Thanks for the very quick responses!  Your advice now gives me the confidence to go ahead and anneal the old gasket and re-use as it appears to be quite thick.  Cheers.  Rob