Reusing Intake Gaskets

[chris401]

I noticed you reused them on the 428 valve repair. I know that all was the same going back. I'm swapping Street Master for C6 S manifold. I know cost and potential problems, just wondering if you have had success with used gaskets? If I crush S to 40 lbs vs hand tight SM390 think it would crush and seal?
Thanks,

[Drew Pojedinec]

I'm certainly not Jay or with his intake swapping experience, but....
I can reuse intake gaskets a few times because I use Permatex #1 aviation sealant on each side.  When you remove the intake again the gaskets will not stick or tear.

[chris401]

Never reused in the industry but Ill give it a try.
Thanks

[jayb]

I found that I could usually re-use the gaskets at least once.  They would often tear around the water jacket openings in the front when the manifold was removed, but using some silicone sealer there on re-installation took care of the problem.  Of course, this was on engines that were only run briefly on the dyno.  My inclination would be to replace them every time if the engine was meant to stay together indefinitely.

[chris401]

These have been on for about 9,000 miles. No tearing. I will try it.

[Joe-jdc]

I would not use 40# torque on the intake.  Ford only recommended 23lbft on them.  IF you have a fiber style gasket you should be able to re-use it once.  I would never suggest you reuse a Printo Seal for the FE.  Joe-JDC.

[cjshaker]

Same thoughts as Joe here. If they are Print-O-Seals, I wouldn't re-use them if you want it to be a solid job. In fact I have gotten away from them altogether. Just too many issues with tearing and separating at the beads. And 40# torque is an awful lot for an intake manifold. You could try go up maybe an extra 5ftlbs of torque.....MAYBE 10 at the most, since it's iron. No way should you try it with an aluminum intake.

[chris401]

These are the blue Felpro gaskets. Normally it's not woorth the chance. I figured 5 over 35 lbs, that's why the book comes out every time. So many makes and models its hard to keep track.
Thanks

[Drew Pojedinec]

Guess I shoulda made it clear in my last post.  If I have a choice in the matter I wouldn't reuse an intake gasket.

Just seems a few times in my life I didn't exactly have a choice, no ill effects.

[machoneman]

2X on not re-using. Hey, I like to save a buck too but.....unlike some other engines, the FE's design has some pretty thin sections that can tear more readily.

The other factor is the high level of difficulty (in car BTW) in placing the heavy FE intake on the engine and not messing up the gaskets. Do so and one has to remove a lot of stuff (covers, rockers, p-rods, ditzy) to fix it up, unlike other engine designs where popping off the intake is a sleeper. That's of course one of the big benefits of Jay's adapter......no ditzy pull, valve cover, rocker shaft and p-rod removal. Makes it as easy as a 302-351 C or W intake removal