need to replace head gasket?

[troush]

I am in the process of replacing a piston in my 1989 90 hp force. I have pulled the head off (obviously) and wondering if I need to replace the head gasket. It doesn't look damages but has some metal rings in there that were probably deformed during the original torquing. Is it necessary to replace it anyways?

 

[rosco_59]

Re: need to replace head gasket?

I would replace it no matter what, once used you could be sorry down the road.

 

[roscoe]

Re: need to replace head gasket?

definitely

 

[troush]

Re: need to replace head gasket?

yeah, I figured... better safe than sorry. Found the part 1/2 price here vs. what mercuruiser wanted not a big deal. Had another question. What do you guys used to remove the rod bolts. I don't have anything that small in my socket collection that looks like that. 8 pt stuff but, is this just a 5/16 12 pt? I see mercury sells a special socket to remove.