I keep hearing its possibleto reuse shim gaskets-Sounds scary with the amount of rework involved if they fail. But if ya cant buy them anymore, it may be worth a try. 1/2 point of compression looks good on Dyno 2000 anyway. Does anyone have a recommended method to clean them? I bought copper spray and Skotch Brite but i dont want to find out that Skotch Brite scratches them. Laquer thinner? Dan 68 & 69 GS400
With a 10.7 to 1 engine, I have reused the steel shim gasket many times. Yes, the first time it is a little scary, you think to yourself, if this don't work, I have alot of work to do again... But it always worked fine for me. I finally had to replace a gasket when I noticed that the water jacket area was corroded and very thin. To clean I just used a stiff parts brush and mineral spirits, after they are dry I would give them a 'good' coating of copper coat. Also I would always return the gasket to its original location. It is important to have straight and smooth gasket surfaces when you are using steel shim gaskets.
