Head gasket shelf life ?

[tim96]

I have a head gasket and valve cover gasket with silicon beading that are both 5+ years old, should I be worried about using them?

[richardodn]

Is the beading hard or flexible?

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And who made the head gasket?

[tim96]

Valve cover gasket is victor reinz, the silicone does not feel sticky, not sure if it's meant to.

Head gasket is genuine. I am well aware of the fact victor reinz head gaskets should be avoided due to insufficient silicone.

[richardodn]

The beading should not be sticky, but it should be pliable. Stick a fingernail into it. On the valve cover gasket, if it gives and then springs back, it's fine. If it gives and takes awhile to spring back. It's fine for a single use. If it's hard, toss it out. On the head gasket, I'm not as sure.

[tim96]

Thanks