Re-using compressed head gasket.

So, I am considering removing my heads to replace the alignment dowel pins because there was a burr on a couple of them, and like an idiot I decided to use them anyways being in a hurry to get my heads bolted on.

Anyways, I know some people say to never re-use a head gasket after compressed, but these are brand new mls gaskets only compressed once and engine is still on the stand.

Should I risk re-using them or just order another set? The money spent is not an issue.

From a visual inspection on a side note the gaskets do look fully compressed all the way around, but I know that doesn't mean the burr on the dowels is not a problem, and I am going to drive myself crazy worrying about it.

I know cross platform info doesn't help, but re-using MLS gasket on a Rotax 1503 will result in block and head damage, even once. The torque sequence was designed to allow for the compression in the gasket, and without it, it tears the threads out of the block and does something to the head. Not so much an issue with us because not TTY, but I don't recall seeing a specific warning in the Mitsu manual as it does in the Rotax, just said new gaskets required.

Define burr on the dowel pins, because sounds to me like a non-issue if there wasn't an issue torquing.

Tool marks from the machine shop removing them, I sanded them down a bit before installing however to knock the high spots off.

Nothing really seemed weird when torqued and visually the gaskets are compressed fully.

Im probably just being paranoid. Sometimes I just need confirmation of being so, lol.

I reused a set a couple years ago. Same situation as you described, never fired, just torqued. They held up just fine. The car made mid 500's and never lost a drop of coolant.

Jeff

If it makes you feel better, my alignment dowels have some marks on them from removing and replacing. Hit them with a file quickly just to make sure head went on.

No issues and I've already started it up and heat cycled.

IMO, you are chasing a non-issue and potentially causing a real one.

Yeah your probably right...no sense throwing good money after bad.

If you've knocked the flats/ marks off with a file I wouldn't worry about it, there will be a slight amount of "give" in the heads and they should seat just fine.

As everyone says, don't strip it back down just for that..