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Help. I just finished slapping on my head gasket and realized that i didn't clean the bolt holes. There was oil coming out when i torqued it.

can I remove, clean and re-use the head gasket?

Banging my head on the wall right now. :-(


Before installation, I remembered checking it and there%u2019s nothing in the holes though. But after I torqued the screws to specs. I noticed that oil is seeping from the area where the head bolts goes in. I dipped them in oil before inserting them into the holes too.

It might just be oil, I think there is no coolant, but if it%u2019s just oil. Is it safe to leave it?

The real question is, should I remove and clean it up, including the HG and reinstall?
Leave it alone?
Or remove it and I have to buy a new head gasket and redo?

What would happen if I left it alone with oil trapped in between the head gasket?

One more thing, I used copper spray on the head gasket, top and bottom side before installation too.

Help%u2026 Anyone ran into this situation before?

 
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Engine is not up and running yet too.

 
Rep Power: 211

How much oil is in question here? If it's only a tiny amount from when you dipped them you'll be fine. Just try your best to wipe it up but it won't damage the engine or anything. Worst case scenario is it leaves the exhaust pipe as blue smoke.

 
Rep Power: 812

yeah should be fine. the bolt holes should have oil since the bolts will be dripping in it. but then later you say oil got inbetween the gasket which sounds worse. if its not much, i dont think it would break the seal. but too much and the oil could burn and turn crusty. not sure why you used copper spray either. but if its all done, i would just drive it and go from there. chances are nothing will leak.

 
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Should you use any sealer on the new gasket or put it on dry after head/block clean-up? thanks

 
Rep Power: 812

all gaskets should be put in dry, with the exception of a few (like valve cover) needing spots of silicone in certain areas to prevent leaks. never double up a gasket.