The gasket contains a steel crush ring around each cylinder bore, as well as seals around each water passage.  I have gotten away with using a NEW gasket that was installed but never run, then reinstalled, but if you are changing heads, and the engine has been running, I would not reuse it.  The different head may not have the exact same sealing surfaces on your gasket where the crush ring goes, and could possibly leak.  It may not ever leak,but if I was going to try and cheap-out on something, it would be something that involves alot less pain to replace.

Some gaskets require torque-to-yield bolts that must be replaced once removed.  Be sure you have the correct info on that for your particular car.

Bottom line:  Is the risk of maybe having to swap it again worth to you what you will save by not buying a new gasket?

cgomate....having worked for Nissan industrial motors corp.as a road mechanic for 8 years and knowing they use automotive engines in many types of equipment....by all means get a new head gasket! There is not enough surface area around combustion chamber to insure a similar "crush" and have no leaks....Like MS said it has worked but these heads are less tolerable.Don't know if it's alum. or iron but I do know nissans are picky.Good Luck

Last edited by drudy2013 (8/07/2013 12:21 AM)

you are welcome....what is your mustang project?