solid copper head gasket

[agonda1]

Can I re-use solid copper cyl.h/d gasket without annealing

[TT John]

It depends on the quality of the copper, If its something like C106 you should not need to but I would especially if its been on the engine a long time.

TTJohn

[agonda1]

How could I recognise that code.Would this be something for a metallurgist

Jim

[Joolstacho]

Why not anneal it? -It's so easy to do.

[Rocket Racer]

I agree with Jools, you just need a gas cooktop or a camping stove, or a propane or butane torch ( decent source of heat) and a bucket of water...

I usually copper spray mine too afterwards.

Could you get away without doing it... maybe but do you really want to take the chance and have to pull it off again.

[RichardL]

I've taken to throwing mine on the hottest burner of the stovetop and hitting it with one or two propane torches (not flashlights) at the same time (typically when the wife is not home). Work the torches until all areas of the gasket have had a chance to glow red. Now, is this most metalurgically perfect approach to annealing? I doubt it, but I'm fairly sure it is good enough for motorcycle building. Water or no water doesn't matter, unless you can't wait for the gasket to air cool.

With regard to whether or not...just do it.

Richard L.

[Rocket Racer]

good point, use of cook tops, ovens (for heating cases) , freezers (to chill bearings) and dishwashers only recommended when the boss is out 

[kiwipom]

Hi guys, R/R ovens for (heating cases) and fast drying small painted parts when missus is not around,cheers

[BSA500]

I have a baby belling in my shed for those jobs. Keeps the shed warm and the other half calmer