Original copper head gasket

[Burnsy]

I just stripped the head of a scrap grey and i had an original copper head gasket on it that was in perfect condition.  The gasket has Holden and a part number stamped in it.

My question is can a copper head gasket be reused if it is not pitted or eaten away and if so, is it better to use than a new (guessing they arn't copper anymore) one?

Either way, I kept it cause it looks good!

[nicko]

yes you can reuse them , if they are still in good shape

[robbzfc58]

hi burnsy     i wouldnt re-use a head gasket.   i suspect head gaskets have become better with technology so you may as well play it safe.......just hang it in the  shed for a keep sake....2 answers....2 different opinions
 Â        trev

[Murray]

I agree Trev, why reuse a head gasket if you dont have too? New ones are not that expensive.

[nicko]

solid copper head gaskets are a totally different gasket from the type seen in cars these days and are used in drag racing mainly as they are around $140 each they dont have the asbestos and plain steel that are no good after use as they leave some of there material stuck to head and block when head is removed,where as copper just needs to be pulled down to specs and its fine.

[Burnsy]

Thanks Nicko, I thought that might be the case and thats why I kept it, it looks like it is brand new, can't have been on for long before the motor was dumped.  

Does anybody know if you can stil buy copper head gaskets for greys?  

[nicko]

you can buy copper head gaskets for any engine as they custom make them,hence the high prices,look in some of the drag racing sites and you should be able to find who makes them or the vintage car sites,i have just done a quick Google search and found Ridgecrest in Melbourne make them up to suit many application and do one off types.

[mcl1959]

I think there is some confusion here.
Original Holden head gasket was copper one side, asbestos in the middle and steel on the other.
Pure copper head gaskets were never fitted as original equipment.
Genuine Holden gasket can't be used again once it has been torqued down.
Genuine Holden head gaskets can still be found at swap meets etc.  I think I have a couple of NOS ones for sale

Ken

[Burnsy]

Thanks for clarifying Ken, looks like I will have to just clean it up and hang it on the trophy shelf!

[nicko]

sorry Burnsey,you did not say in original post that it had 3 types of material,i assumed it was a solid copper gasket.
reguards Nick