Reuse exhaust gaskets? Is a leak probable?

[lookaught]

I know that some people reuse the gaskets between the turbo and cat/test pipe and between the cat/testpipe and downpipe... any leaks after reuse? This would just be short term for a few months before I swap the turbo out for a BT kit. I have one new one but for 2-3 months... Id rather not pay for another because I just experienced the $20 rapage at the dealer for the turbo/cat gasket. Fookin eh that's pricy. $67 for three gaskets and 13 manifold nuts.

[widgget]

I've reused mine, would be in serous debt if I had to replace all the gaskets every time I've pulled the turbo out.

[kwimberly]

My shop reused one of them when they did my testpipe. The other was rusted to crap.

[Audi Skate Snow]

you can reuse them... just use your best judgement on the condition of them.

[dougyfresh]

you can reuse them... just use your best judgement on the condition of them.

bingo.


I have only replaced my HFC to downpipe gasket once. I've had my HFC off my car four to five times since. The gasket is fine.

I have re-used my cylinder head to manifold gasket twice now. The gasket is intact and fine. If it is separated then get a new one.

I did away with my manifold to turbo and my turbo to HFC gaskets. metal on metal. One less thing to blow-out. Its holding strong thus far.


With the resources you have, Jon... Clean up the manifold to turbo and turbo to HFC flanges and don't run a gasket on those two interfaces. A very strong and flat table works well (I used a 3/4-1" glass table that was zeroed and flat). Tape a good sheet of 200grit metallic sandpaper to it and work the parts over the sand paper slowly and securely. Gradually build up to 300 or 400grit. You'll see the high spots taken off and the surfaces will be perfectly flat for use with no gasket. I did this on those two flanges in December and its holding strong.

NordLock washers are your friend on the turbo to manifold interface. Copper locknuts are your friend on both sides of the HFC and the engine to manifold interfaces. Use new copper locknuts.

[mtbrider]

I agree ---use your best judgement, I reused mine the first time around but then I blew them all out, I got better gaskets and its been all good since then