Head gasket question

[Kurly154]

I pulled the head off of my 87 Honda 250x to tap some bolt holes for the valve cover. I was wondering if I have to use a new head gasket or is it possible to reuse my old one? I know it would be better to get a new one. If I can reuse my old one is there anything I could put on it like copper gasket spray?

[Colby@C&DRacing]

You should get a new head gasket

[400thacker]

I agree you should get a new one but....
if the old one is not damaged, you can clean it real good with steel wool or something ( as long as it's a metal gasket ) and put a thin coat of silver metalic spray paint on it. let it dry then install it.
I reuse head gaskets as long as their isn't any damage and the metal layers are not broke apart.