TRD metal headgaskets.. re-useable or not?

[Grrrrrrr!]

As above, i've received mixed advice on the whether they can be re-used or not.

And if they can, what prep is required apart from head and block being flatter than flatand clean enough to eat off?

[Drifter4ag]

yes reusable
i would only use them twice maybe though

clean up
copper coat then install

[pc]

I've reused my 0.5mm one.
cleaned block, head anf gasket. Torqued down a little tighter than factory specs. Done about 3000Ks so far no problems.

[trdfxgt]

iv used mine 4 times now still mint they are reusable id heard up to 10 times i wont go any more than about 5 times though

[Grrrrrrr!]

Official reply from Toyota/TRD (Well Giltrap Toyota anyways)

With the TRD head Gaskets they are NOT reuseable &
upon talking to one of our Lexus Mechanics it pays to have
a definite Mirror finish on the Head & Block before fitting and running
the Engine without Coolant for 1.5 - 2 mins for a better Seal
from the Head Gasket to the Head,then letting the engine cool
again before adding coolant.

P.S Also if you are using Studs not bolts it will pay to Re Torque
the Head after around 1000kms.

Interesting about the running the engine without coolant for a few minutes.

[Mr Revhead]

i would disagree with the first part of that.
iv sold many many many TRD headgaskets, many of which are reused, not one person has come back to me with any issues.

[Bling]

Official reply from Toyota/TRD (Well Giltrap Toyota anyways)

With the TRD head Gaskets they are NOT reuseable &
upon talking to one of our Lexus Mechanics it pays to have
a definite Mirror finish on the Head & Block before fitting and running
the Engine without Coolant for 1.5 - 2 mins for a better Seal
from the Head Gasket to the Head,then letting the engine cool
again before adding coolant.

P.S Also if you are using Studs not bolts it will pay to Re Torque
the Head after around 1000kms.

Interesting about the running the engine without coolant for a few minutes.

I guess they make more money that way, so of course they will say new one each time

[Lloyd]

And to cover their ass. If they say they're fine to reuse and someone does with one that isn't perfect then Toyota would be up for the cost of repairs to a damaged engine. Unless of course Toyota specified that they install it

That is in no way helpful to the conversation, just making a point

[Grrrrrrr!]

And while we are on the topic...

Brought a Permaseal (aa gaskets/nzgaskets) Head gasket for the 20v from STAparts, it appears to be exactly the same as the toyota genuine one that i FUBAR'd by not double checking things.

As in identical right down to the stamps for the batch number being in the same place and using different sized stamps for the middle number.

And good old toyota only has 9 head bolts in stock.. pity i need 10 for a head *sigh*

[trdfxgt]

also double check its on the right way as 4age head gaskets fit both ways doing this wont cause damage just alot of time and swear words !!!!!!

[Grrrrrrr!]

Yeah, and then you have set of stretched head bolts, and have to go replace those.. then toyota only has 9 in stock.. etc..

Lesson one, bourbon is not a half-way thru the job drink

Whats the deal with re-using a standard head gasket thats been run for like 20mins at idle max? Offically its a no-no for sure, but what are real world results like?