Reusing a head gasket (CRF250)

gharmon
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gharmon
Edited Date/Time 7/29/2015 12:24pm
I know some of you will say I'm an idiot for even asking but i'll ask anyway. Have any of you ever reused a head gasket? Mine is a 2007 CRF250. I'm just curious as to if any of you have done and it work okay. Head gasket has like 10-12 hours on it and appears to be in good shape. I don't need any bs about being a cheap ass or how stupid I am. It's a simple yes or no question. I'm not a cheap ass. It's more of a time thing that being a cheap ass.

Thanks in advance to those that give me a solid answer.
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CamP
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CamP 7/28/2015 12:40pm
7/28/2015 12:40pm
Don't do it.
pete24
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pete24 7/28/2015 1:03pm
7/28/2015 1:03pm
throw it away
gharmon
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gharmon 7/28/2015 1:32pm
7/28/2015 1:32pm
I did. I found somewhere close enough and worked with me to get it here on time. Thanks guys!
mxtech1
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mxtech1 7/28/2015 1:47pm
7/28/2015 1:47pm
A lot of flat track guys that I know are as cheap as they come.

I have seen them re-use gaskets many times without any issues.

Can it be done, yes absolutely. But it's not something I would do on my own bikes or any bike I work on....

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Paw Paw 271
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Paw Paw 271 7/28/2015 5:07pm
7/28/2015 5:07pm
If the reused head gasket fails you will have more damage that the cost of a new head gasket.
It's cheep insurance to use a new one!
Don't reuse it.

Paw Paw
rallendude
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rallendude 7/29/2015 11:41am
7/29/2015 11:41am
In a pinch I did try this. Even on a bike that had only been started and ran 5 minutes after a rebuild. Had an ill fitting base gasket so had to pull the head to get to it. It didn't work. Once you torque the head the crimp around the laminated head gasket is pretty much flattened out and it will never seal.

Now those metal base gaskets you can reuse. Apply a light coat of copper seal and stick it back in. Of course, that's the even cheaper one.

If this ever comes up again, I'd bet I have a new OEM head gasket for that bike laying around and I'm at least in the same state. Probably have a pile of timing chains too. Same goes for the 2004-2008 style CRF450s.


K-dubbb
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K-dubbb 7/29/2015 12:04pm
7/29/2015 12:04pm
Even if it was safe to use, is it really worth risking it, then having to remove the head and all the surrounding shit over again?

I wouldn't do it.

Hang that shit on the wall and tell the ladies that gasket blew after you took the top of the box in 2009.

rallendude
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rallendude 7/29/2015 12:24pm
7/29/2015 12:24pm
It's worth it when it means riding tomorrow or not. Even if it only lasts 30 minutes.

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