[Ande780]

Recently just had the cylinder head off my bike for some repairs and when I put the cylinder head back on, I accidentally dropped a tool down the engine and had to re-take the cylinder head off to get it. I was just wondering, is it ok to re-use the head gasket even if I only had the cylinder head on for a few minutes and the bike never started? I did torque it down to spec but the gasket looks really good still.

[Leardriver]

It wouldn't be the first time that a gasket has been reused successfully. The textbook answer is to get another one, but I would reuse it under those circumstances.

[Back2-2]

Will be fine to reuse the gasket since it never has been heated. Torque to spec. and continue on.

If you feel the need you could spray it with copper head gasket coat - but I wouldn't.

[Ande780]

Thanks guys!