If it is not ripped reuse. I reused my gasket twice. Had to replace when it got stuck to manifold. Scrapped it off and used a FelPro from Napa. The oem was wrong one. I have the right one stored if I ever needed it. If in doubt the new one is only $3-5.

 

I agree as long its not ripped just re use it. Leaking gasket could lead to fluctuating idle speed.

 

Thank you for sharing information.

 

The first time I took my TB off/apart the original paper gasket was destroyed - stuck to both surfaces and needed to be carefully scraped off. So of course I replaced it and bought some spares to keep on hand in the future. Maybe because of that (joking), each time I've taken it apart since then (~3+ times), the gasket comes off cleanly, in one piece. Looks good so I put it back, and have had no problems.

So my advice would be that if it looks OK and is not torn at all, you should be fine. But if you're getting parts ready before doing a job, buy one of these so you're not stuck in case you need it.

 

The op is lucky. Did this two weeks ago. Even though I had a full upper end service gasket set. after discovering the make up of the Tb and spacer gasket. I planned to leave them be. But The tb to plenum tore, stayed mostly bonded to the tb. Plenum gasket gave no trouble, nor did the 3 small plates. Was wishing for a parts washer, as there seemed to be a lot of gunk built up in the intake tract. Carb cleaner did well enough.

 

That is about normal in these vans. Each time I did my cleaning that is how it was.

 

These vans and anything with PCV and or egr. At least we don't have the valve buildup problem the direct injection engines have. I noticed a heated breather nipple on a ford 5.4 unsure of its effects.