How to clean cometic head gaskets?

[Megatron]

I picked up a set of cometic mls head gaskets for my 3800 that have been torqued, but never ran. They are coated in copper gasket spray and a little dust/dirt. What is good to clean them with that won't hurt them?

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[NullHead]

Personally, I'd get new gaskets. Maybe I just don't trust people.

[Megatron]

Personally, I'd get new gaskets. Maybe I just don't trust people.

At $160 for a set...no thanks! They look great, just want them clean.

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[hoogiesngrinderz]

If they are copper sprayed then they have likely been reinstalled once or more in the past. New Cometics come with a .001" layer of Viton as a sealer that should be installed dry. Second (or third, etc) time around you need to spray them with copper spray or high-tack.

Clean them completely with mineral spirits and recoat if you are dead set on reusing them. I personally wouldn't, especially if they were installed on a different engine prior to the one you're working on.

[Megatron]

He only installed them once, using copper spray on the first installation is common on these engines. According to research by ZZP it seals better. I'll try the spirits. Cometic said they are ok to use so I'm thinking they're great still.

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[hoogiesngrinderz]

Just make sure you completely strip them. Then clean them again. Maybe go for a third round.

Pulling an engine all over again because of I tried to save some $$ just doesn't sound fun to me...especially when you have to spend the $160 anyway Take your time and keep it clean.