How long do gaskets last in their packaging?

If you come across, or find in the bottom of your spares box, or buy a car with spare gaskets how long do they last in the original packaging?

or,

do gaskets (ie any gasket including head gaskets) shrink/dry out over time?

Assume the gasket has been kept in a dark, dry place such as a shelf in a garage and the packaging is sound.

I have gaskets that I got when I bought the car, neatly boxed and stored but clearly some years old, and have thought if time had any detrimental effects.

But I ask the question now as I can buy a full set of engine gaskets from an owner who has sold his car and hence has no use for them, all in original packaging and a good discount to list. My thought is to use them on my spare engine when the rebuild time comes.

any thoughts?

 

Gaskets come in all sorts of material, paper, rubber, metal (copper, etc). Even a gasket kit probably contains a mix of gasket materials.

My guess is the metal gaskets should would be fine, the paper would be fine as long as no visually problematic signs, and the rubber is susceptible to age. But that's just a guess.

 

that was my thinking too, they are obviously designed to sustain some pretty arduous conditions more severe than sitting quietly on a shelf or box. Obviously, you would want to check that moisture and sunlight haven't played their part either.

 

I repair large Marine diesel engines some times we have to soak the gaskets in hot water to bring them back to shape this work very well yes keep them in temperature control area away from Sun light good luck

 

Thanks!

 

Just an aside, I talked to an asbestos investigator the other day & he mentioned that automobile gaskets were very high in the material. I had never considered this or taken any precautions to contain the material, so please take appropriate action.

 

Good point to look out for. It was as I recall phased out in the late 80's

 

In the USA I doubt you would find any asbestos other than in brake shoes or clutch facings even in the 1980's.