Is it possible to reuse a new HG?

No, normal multi layer head gaskets are designed to squash a bit when tightened, next time the squashability will not be available.

Is it worth the hassle for the sake for a couple of £ woth of HG?

And I reused a head gasket on a Rover "K" Series. Yes, a "K" series with no ill effects for 16,000 miles before the car was scrapped. Sometimes needs must. Car in bits, no parts in stock and days to arrive and you need the car.

generally though life is too short to waste it or have the worry that it may go again, that said I have been driving a metro with a k series lump that is blowing oil into the water, probably from the HG for more than three years with no problems !!

Nope, I was planning on getting one anyway but was curious. For the car they cost about £10-13ish. Other gaskets and seals look like they can be reused within a short time period.

I was speaking to the chap who skimmed the head. He said that so long as you've not got it wet by running the engine and you don't disturb it it should be fine. He also seemed quite certain I'd be a repeat customer... "Punto head eh? Yeah we do tonnes of them, it'll fail again no doubt about that".

Regards,

Tim

Usually caused by cheapskates who don't replace the water pump when they do the cambelt.

I learned the hard way, but had trained Mrs H that cooking cars was much more inconvenient and expensive than stopping to let it cool.