Valve cover gaskets -- reusable?

**pajeff02** · 01-31-2010, 05:29 PM

I started my LT install this evening and just pulled my coil packs -- exposing my not so nice looking valve covers. As I can not leave well enough alone, I'll probably pop off the covers to clean them up and maybe even polish them. Are the stock gaskets reusable or are new ones almost always required?

**Goat04** · 01-31-2010, 05:39 PM

The "rule of thumb" I was always taught was to never reuse a gasket. But it is possible to reuse them without any problem. If they dont appear to be brittle it shouldnt be an issue. My opinion, if they have never been changed before it cant hurt to throw some new ones in there.

**pajeff02** · 01-31-2010, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Goat04

The "rule of thumb" I was always taught was to never reuse a gasket. But it is possible to reuse them without any problem. If they dont appear to be brittle it shouldnt be an issue. My opinion, if they have never been changed before it cant hurt to throw some new ones in there.

I agree -- but some of these neoprene gaskets (or whatever they are) seem to hold their seal really well. I just figured it would be best to ask the opinion of those that have been there before.

**redbird555** · 01-31-2010, 05:52 PM

If you can get them to fit by all means when I took mine off they had swelled an inch too big so I ended up getting new ones anyway.

**Wesman** · 01-31-2010, 06:45 PM

The stock valve cover gaskets are designed to be fully reuseable. So as long as they are in good condition, there is no need to replace them. You just have to use your discression.

**0rion** · 01-31-2010, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by Goat04

The "rule of thumb" I was always taught was to never reuse a gasket. But it is possible to reuse them without any problem. If they dont appear to be brittle it shouldnt be an issue. My opinion, if they have never been changed before it cant hurt to throw some new ones in there.

these gaskets are a lot different than the stuff on the older cars. GM got it right with the gaskets on the LS motors. Think o-ring. I've had my covers off a couple of times and kept the same gaskets in there.....same goes for the intake and throttle body.

**Hi-Po** · 01-31-2010, 10:44 PM

Agreed with Orion. Ive taken my valve covers off more times then I can remember and reused them. Obviously inspect them for major breaks, but chances are they will be perfectly fine.

**blackSS01** · 02-01-2010, 02:11 AM

They are not meant to be reused but can be and it has been done before. Here is a bit of info from the GM designers/Performance builders:

"This brings up a good point: don't reuse any Gen III V-8 gaskets because they are all of the compression-carrier design. This means the aluminum surface of the gasket takes the torquing load to control how much compression the embedded silicon sealing surfaces experience. This maximizes sealing control and minimizes the need for re-torquing to maintain the clamping load-but they are one-use items."

This straight from GM's/Horses mouth. 99% of the time, reusing them would be fine. I have seen people reuse them with no problems but everyone should know the FACTS

**Smittro** · 02-01-2010, 02:40 AM

Imho Jeff for all the more they cost I'd just replace them, takes the guess work right out of the project. Just my .02 ..

**pajeff02** · 02-01-2010, 08:28 AM

I went down to the dealership a few minutes ago and grabbed a set of new gaskets. I choked when the tab came to almost $45.00, but now I have the new ones to install and possibly a spare set if I ever bung one up.

Thanks for all the input!

**Spaz** · 02-01-2010, 09:17 AM

i've always reused mine... never had any sealment issues...

**pajeff02** · 02-01-2010, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Spaz

i've always reused mine... never had any sealment issues...

From what I understand, your motors do not last long enough for a leak to form.

**silverWS6** · 02-01-2010, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

From what I understand, your motors do not last long enough for a leak to form.

Ive reused mine on both my cars and both have been fine. The 98 just turned 196,000 a few days ago and i did my headers about 3 weeks ago and they are fine, no leaks.

BTW i wanna see pics of your engine cleaning up, im sure you wont leave it the way it is by seeing the work on your rear

**pajeff02** · 02-01-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by silverWS.6

BTW i wanna see pics of your engine cleaning up, im sure you wont leave it the way it is by seeing the work on your rear

Already started taking pics. Probably will not post a new thread on the header swap as Chuckie did a real nice job in his and it was stickied.

**silverWS6** · 02-01-2010, 10:55 AM

Just do it for the pics

I would like to see what you do with your valve covers and coils

**Spaz** · 02-01-2010, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

From what I understand, your motors do not last long enough for a leak to form.

i can't argue that... however my ls6 is hanging in like a champ!!!

**blackSS01** · 02-01-2010, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

From what I understand, your motors do not last long enough for a leak to form.

OH SNAP!

**0rion** · 02-01-2010, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

From what I understand, your motors do not last long enough for a leak to form.

him and Ed have the same issue......their cars leak rods and pistons.

**blackSS01** · 02-01-2010, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

him and Ed have the same issue......their cars leak rods and pistons.

Thread: Valve cover gaskets -- reusable?

Thread Tools

Valve cover gaskets -- reusable?

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

Similar Threads

coil cover idea... sbc valve cover

Help: valve cover too low

Valve cover gaskets, Valve Springs, Timing Gasket

Valve Cover Breather/ PCV Valve

WTB Valve Cover

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions