if i pull the head, does the head gasket absolutely HAVE TO be replaced?
04-30-2003, 06:50 AM
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if i pull the head, does the head gasket absolutely HAVE TO be replaced?
even if it is fairly new and in good shape? it's the metal urS4 gasket by the way.
04-30-2003, 10:34 AM
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that's the kind of answer i'm looking for!
being a metal gasket, i would think the rule of thumb is a little different than say for a cork or rubber gasket. don't fix that which isn't broken right?
04-30-2003, 11:57 AM
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Re: if i pull the head, does the head gasket absolutely HAVE TO be replaced?
Even with a metal head gasket when you torque the head bolts you flatten the gasket. I've never dealt with a metal head gasket so I don't know how they hold up. I know they are better. Re-using any head gasket will most likely require increasing the torque to get a good seal. You will probably increase the likelihood of cracks and a blow gasket in the future. I imagine its not an extra cost you want to incur right now, but worth in later.....
04-30-2003, 12:04 PM
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You should NEVER reuse a Head Gasket
Regardless of the material unless it is made to reuse such as race style copper one. A conventional head gasket is made to compress to a specified thickness only one time to seal slight imperfections. Once it is compressed the sealing properties and ability to hold the torque settings are greatly compromised and will most likely leak especially if it has been heat cycled a few times. I would never consider reusing a head gasket the time and effort is takes to replace one is not worth the risk to save a few $$$. Plus risking engine damage depending on how and where it leaks.
04-30-2003, 12:22 PM
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thanks. makes a lot of sense, but my bentley doesn't mention it.
i really don't want to pull the head off, but the intake ports are rather carboned-up and i'm worried that cleaning the ports will cause foreign material to enter the combustion chambers.
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04-30-2003, 12:41 PM
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The same can be said for the studs...
if you're going to take the time and effort to remove the head, taking little and inexpensive precautions is a good thing to do! The head gasket and studs are much cheaper than replacing your engine, or having to rebuild it a weeks/months/years down the road. Just my .02
04-30-2003, 01:02 PM
#9
The Bentley assumes your a "Factory Trained" Audi Mechanic............
who works on Audi's everyday!
The Bentley is by no means, the "All-knowing-all answers" step-by-step Audi repair manual. ;O)
The Bentley is by no means, the "All-knowing-all answers" step-by-step Audi repair manual. ;O)
04-30-2003, 01:05 PM
#10
Re: thanks. makes a lot of sense, but my bentley doesn't mention it.
Full gasket set is only $131USD, and has all that you'd need to regasket a 2.2L 3B/AAN/ABY/ADU or 2.0L NM from the deck up.