Just rebuilt a motor (98 polaris xpress 300 2 stroke). If you use a new gasket that yu compressed before starting a few times(meaning took top end apart and back together a few times) then compressed it again a few times, will you not have a tight seal anymore? Will it cause linkage ang a big loss of compression? Gasket is a metal ring and gasket material around the metal ring.
Thank You

 

I've always gone by the rule of never reuse a gasket. You might be OK but once they get seated and reused they have a good chance of leaking. Replace it.

 

I think mine is leaking not allowing to get enough compression to start my atv. I did find the gasket wet outside the seal on about 1/4 of the gasket. This new gasket had been untightened and retightened a handful of times on a rebuilt motor.
Is it typically rule of thumb also with this type of gasket that once it has been tightened down, it can't be used again even on an atv that hasn't run yet, because it can't seal properlly again?
Thanks

 

Yes, never reuse the gasket once heat cycled.
I won't even use a gasket once torqued down.

 

I have the old factory all steel(?) head gasket from when I rebuilt the motor. I have never used it, I just ended up buying the rebuild gasket kit. Could I reuse the oem all steel gasket w the copper sealant? It is in good shape. I was told this might be better than the head gasket I get it the rebuild kits???
Thanks!!!

 

No, if the gasket has been torqued down, don't use it. Buy a new one.

 

Buy a new one. Don't get into bad mechanic habit's. If you cared enough to ask on a forum, you knew the answer already. Don't think twice with about replacing any questionable component.

 

On 300s and 250s get a topend kit off Ebay for $20+shipping from sledpartsguy
I try to keep an extra set handy at all times

 

I appreciate the comments- I completely figured new gasket. I just had the old all steel gasket and had a michinist tell me I could use it again with sealant a while back ago, but I went ahead and ordered a new gasket anyways. Just thought I would ask, since they are diff than the aftermarket gaskets.
Thanks

ftwflh- Thanks, I have orded a handful of things from sledpartsguy already

 

hey I have a 2004 Yamaha kodiak that I just put new a headgasket on not to long ago and then I ordered a complete rebuild kit for the bottom end because it was smoking well the new kit has a questionable gasket and I just wanna know if I can reuse the old gasket it was put on about 2 weeks ago or so should be fine right?