headgasket

[nikolashewitt]

this may be a silly question but can anybody tell me exactly why a new head gasket is needed everytime the head and block are seperated.

what will happen if you use the same gasket, will the car run the same?

[AdamH]

for what it costs for a head gasket on its own.. you mite as well.. i know some garages round my way use the same one but when i strip down engines i like to renew all gaskets etc

[nikolashewitt]

so if the gasket isnt changed it wont make the car run any different and it will still start and drive fine?

i have changed the gasket but just out of curiosity