Marinating gaskets in ATF

[49Reo]

For the price of a head gasket it is not worth the risk of having to pull the engine apart AGAIN; use them once, throw them away if you have occasion to pull the heads.

I HAVE re-used a head gasket once, however; when I restored my 49 Reo Speedwagon, no gasket was available. I used Perma-tex Form-a-gasket on both sides, torqued to spec, left it sit for a couple of days, never had a problem; however, it was a low compression slow revving flathead 6; not a modern V-twin.

Regards and such,
49Reo

[Troll]

Why would you care if the head gaskets come off without damage? They can only be used once, anyway. Some gaskets are "reusable" but like the exhaust port gaskets, the head gaskets are designed to crush at specific points to improve the seal...I don't know about you, but I don't think I want to take the heads off on any kind of regular schedule, anyway.

[drifter-paul]

About to put Drifter '99 back together - cam chains, rockers etc.

Came across a rebuild post where they marinated the head gaskets in ATF, to allow for later removal without damage.

Anyone know how long to marinate for ?  Can you overdo it and turn them to mush ?