The head gaskets are not used. I bolted the heads on with new gaskets yesterday, but I might not have put the right side up and I meant to put my headers in place before the heads were on to save some time and forgot.

So, I'd like to pull the heads back off - but can I install those same head gaskets since I haven't used them? I'm assuming so, just wanted to make sure. I'm not tearing this thing down because of a blown gasket next week!

 

You should be fine. There shouldnt be a problem with doing that.
greg.

 

If you have already torqued the heads down, they have already deformed. You could use them, but I wouldn't suggest it.

-Shannon

 

like nomad said, if they have been compressed, then you shouldnt reuse them. so much easier to replace now than when it fails.

 

Well crap, I went to do the work after the first post before you two came along! I JUST finished reinstalling the heads for a second time with the same gaskets. Sigh...

The reason I'm taking so much care too is the fact that they're the Mr Gasket 5716 that are paper thin (.026 I think?). I guess I'll have to ponder of a few beers tonight whether I want to order a new set and do it a THIRD time.