New Head Gasket or know.

[Shady Brook]

I pulled the head on my Kaw 12.5, I want to know if I NEED, to replace the gasket. I know that anytime you pull the head you are supposed to replace the gasket. My question is if I do not see any leaks or anything, do I need to replace the gasket. Not that I would be able to see a leak either. Just currious, I know it is not that big of deal to replace, just interested.

Thanks
Jay

[Fish]

Purists insist on replacing them, but realistically I reuse them if
they are intact.
Fish

[E-man]

I always replace gaskets on anything I take apart. I just feel better doing it . I dont no what is right or what is wrong in this situation but that is what I do.


I guess Im a purist:)

[Robert Doubrava]

I kinda agree with Fish. If it looks OK, then I don't replace it. But what do I know! I could be wrong, and the engine could blow the head gasket!!:alien:

[Jason Pallas]

I've broken down thousands of engines and only replace the gaskets (head or otherwise) if there's a visible problem or symptom that is directly related. If you got the gasket or can get it easily enough, replace it. Otherwise, if it looks good don't sweat it. Remember to tighten the head bolts back down in the right pattern though. Good luck.

[Shady Brook]

You guys are making me feel much more comfortable.

Jason, what kind of life did you see with those 12.5 Kaw's? Mine is running very strong with almost 1300 hours. The cylinder looked good, I hope she lasts another 1300.

Thanks fellas
Jay

[Planter]

While I haven't pulled hundreds of heads on small engines, I have pulled a few. If I have a gasket (planned ahead, which rarely happens) I change them. If not and the problem is not gasket related and I didn't damage it removing the head, I just re-use it. No problems so far.;)

[big james]

iHAVE BEEN TOLD BY SMALL ENGINE MECHANICS THAT YOU ARE SUSPOSED TO REPLACE THEM .:)

[CPLLTT]

To do it right, you should replace them. Once a head gasket gets torqued down it compresses, and it is likely not to reseal again. But, in a pinch, you can probably get away with reusing it.

[Robert Doubrava]

To put it this way, it's better to be safe than sorry!:) :)

[Shady Brook]

I certainly appreciate all of your comments fellas. What would be the ramifications if the gasket blows? I am fairly ignorant, but just figured on a mess, but not expensive damage. Am I wrong?

Thanks much
Jay

[Fish]

If your head gasket failed but the engine kept running, and you
kept on running it, it could do irreparable damage. It is not likely,
but possible.
Fish

[Robert Doubrava]

If the head gasket blew on a piece of equipment I was usin', I would know for sure! I'm real careful. Possibly too careful!:)

[ArboristSite]

If I was at all unsure, they are so cheap, I would go ahead and replace it. Those 12.5 Kawi's blow gaskets commonly. Can I ask what you were doing in there in the first place? If you are having trouble with the head gasket...the rest of the stuff you will find in the head will really give you trouble. I am just bringing this up cause if you don't know, don't touch. That area, if messed with, can cost much more than a gasket. You may have just asked a general question, but couldn't tell if it went deeper than I read. So I threw in a little extra. Good luck with it.

[Shady Brook]

Arboristsite

Sure am glad you wrote, I had never heard of your site before. Looks like a super one. I will be spending some time there now, as I do some tree work, and enjoy it very much.

Thanks for you input as well.

I pulled the head because I was checking to see if my timeing was off, as my mower would not start. I had replaced a sump seal, and the crankshaft rotated, throwing the timeing off. So when I found the timing off, I tightened down the head, then reset the timing and put the beast back together again. I did not think about replacing the gasket. I have maybe 2 hours run time on her without having replaced it. I just thought that if it did not have trouble by now, maybe it was fine, and there would be no need to pull the head again.

Hope to see you around.

Thanks
Jay

[ArboristSite]

Good, looks like you have her undercontrol.