[AGTO8U]

I have a pair of FelPro #1016 head gaskets that were used for a couple of years with aluminum heads. They appear to be in great shape, but do I dare reuse these with iron heads?

[raj]

I'm still in the process of learning about Pontiacs so I'm not sure what the signifigance of a 1016 head gaskets is. That being said I don't think I'd reuse any head gasket(or any gasket for that matter) on an engine I really care about given how cheap and plentiful head gaskets are to start with. A part such as a gasket may "appear" OK but could have hundreds of microscopic flaws invisible to the naked eye. Remember, one side of the gasket was touching cast iron.

[form406]

no..there is a slight chance they would seal...but its not worth the effort...i think reusable copper gaskets are available...

[Old Goat Racer]

I did it once , got lucky.

[Probird]

I've reused 1016's. The last set I reused 3 times. That's in an engine over 650hp. First time w/ steel heads, other 2 with aluminum. I asked my engine builder about this. He said he would rather use an old set of proven head gaskets than a new pair. I figured after 3 times I was pushing my luck. I rebuilt the engine and had the heads and block resurfaced. It's now over 700hp. I put on a new set of 1016's and after 65 passes one let go and I torched the head. Had that fixed and installed a new set of ROL head gaskets and ran the rest of the season without a problem. I just took it apart again and all is well. I will be reusing these again.

It's up to you but I wouldn't hesitate to reuse them.

[smagnotti]

I have reused them 3 times myself, but you gotta re-torque them after the first heat up and cool down, and this is with a blower motor on 8 psi of boost.

[J.C.you]

i have reused head gaskets for many years. i would not hesitate to resuse them, if they appear to be in good shape.

[sharkbite]

Originally Posted by Probird

I asked my engine builder about this. He said he would rather use an old set of proven head gaskets than a new pair.

My guy said the same thing

[Kenth]

I would do it if, and did, replacing the same heads.
Changing heads, new gaskets would be safer.

[Ron Landis]

do it all the time. Say they couldn't afford to race if they had to replace head gaskets every time they got torn down for inspection.

[Half-Inch Stud]

since thay are 1016s, it is worth visually inspecting them.
They usually appear quite good.
I have re-used them successfully with cast iron setups.
A bit of a new 7 varied territory for aluminum squish then Iron squish: could be argued that the gasket pre-squished-by-Al-Head makes a better gasket seal for the Iron head.

Most used 1016s are better than any new Briggs&stratton style head gasket found in the rebuild kits. Ask me how I know....you too would know if you try to dis-assembly a head with one of them kit build gaskets. Clean-up is profoundly poor situation.

[Probird]

Originally Posted by sharkbite

My guy said the same thing

I see you are in St. Louis. It's probably the same guy. The shop is in Granite City?

[Ron Genovese]

I'd be broke if I replaced my Felpro head gaskets everytime I removed the heads! I reuse them all the time with "0" failures.

[DAVE RIBEIRO]

I agree with Ron and the others, Fel-prp are well made and I have used them dozens of times during NHRA & IHRA teardowns.. Without any problems, can't say that about other headgaskets !!! Dave...1033/stock(RV-455)