Technical Head Gasket Useable Condition?

I need some knowledgeable help on this. I am looking at buying an old NOS head gasket & there are a few areas of discoloration & tarnishing. I’ve asked the seller this morning if there are any areas of pitting or damage as the photos aren’t the best. What do you guys think based upon these pictures, buy or not?





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Tough call. Iron or Aluminum head?

 

That happens because the galvanic reaction between the tin plate and copper eyelets + humidity.

I'd clean the loose crustys off and spray with copper spray-a-gasket.

 

I just used a gasket that barely looked any better. I sprayed the hell out of it with copper spray gasket and sent it home on an Olds 324. I have over 4000 miles on it since, so far so good.

 

Why take the risk? Gaskets just aren't that expensive, and having been compressed, probably will not seal, "microscopically" to either surface. I am refraining from further comment.

 

Agreed. I had to replace a similar gasket in a str8 6 and the old gasket looked fine to the eye.

 

I'd trust this gasket more than a new repop....they just don't make them like they used to.

 

The O/P said it's NOS, which would mean that it is unused, just old. It doesn't look like it's been compressed to me.

I wouldn't be afraid to use it, but a good close inspection would be warranted.

 

Just because it hasn't been installed doesn't mean it doesn't have defects that will make it leak. Who knows how it's been treated sitting around all this time. Now if I had it laying around my shop would I try it? Sure. Would I pay money for it? I personally would not.

If you do get it let us know if she works!

 

Thanks guys. Fortunately I’m just looking for an extra head gasket & not needing one currently to put an engine together. The one in the photos is supposed to be unused & NOS, hopefully I can get some better pictures to better evaluate those areas. The head I’m using is cast iron & was surfaced before installing it in the last year. I’m getting an itch to put bigger intake valves & an Isky cam in the old girl & if I do I will then need another head gasket.

Yesterday a friend told me about Molina Gaskets & after speaking to them I’m inclined to consider one of their gaskets since they can make one as thin as 0.035” to get the quench in the best range.

http://molinamfg.com/gaskets/


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Wouldn’t bother me to use it... Can’t tell you how many GMC 302’s I’ve used and have that look like this...