Can I reuse head gasket?

Aloha guys. And before you jump the gun and say never! here is my situation.

I have my engine sitting in my living room for now. rebuild it and it's almost complete. It's sealed and ready to install new clutch, both steel and friction. When this happen, engine will sit in the frame. BUT!! As I was going through my new parts collection, I found that I forgot to install the front cam chain guide (new)!! No, I didn't rush. For some reason, it completely slipped out of my mind. Hate getting old..........................

Anyway, above is the reason for my question. I need to take the head off to install it. Head has been torqued but never ran. Can I re-use it? I will probably replace the o-ring, and I need to order some other small stuff, so buying the stuff is no problem. But if I can save few bucks, I'm leaning towards just that, thanks to COVID (Like everything else, need to balance the budget due to hour cut).

Any thought on this?

Yes, as it has not been run nothing has settled into shape even the o rings will be fine if they are new.

kevski wrote: Yes, as it has not been run nothing has settled into shape even the o rings will be fine if they are new.

I agree.

If they are undamaged I would probably take a chance and re-use them. Any damage at all and I would replace.

hardrockminer wrote: If they are undamaged I would probably take a chance and re-use them. Any damage at all and I would replace.

I Support
Dave

I have done the same once or twice. Torqued down a head then had to remove it for some reason. Didn't cause a problem.
I tend to torque heads near the lower end torque range, than if this happens, to the upper torque value on the second go.

Thanks for all your advice guys.

You guys just save me $130+. I will reuse it and hope it will work out.

Thanks!