7 replies to this topic

[mike.]

I'm just about to fit a new head gasket and have realised that there is no indication as to which way up it goes. All the holes line up which ever way it is so it could go either way up.

One side is quite smooth and shiney and the other side is rough and dull.

Which way will it go on?

[Ethel]

There's an oil hole for the rockers at the thermostat end so it isn't quite symmetrical.

- Ok, that doesn't help if your gasket has two oil holes for those who won't bother to look 'n just slap it on!

It should say 'top' if it matters.

Edited by Ethel, 10 February 2008 - 02:32 PM.

[mike.]

Right just tryed lining up the gasket on the head and all the hole line up and are unobstructed - Which ever way up the gasket goes.

Its all symmetrical...

[mike.]

Should i just take a gamble with it and see what happens?

Does it matters if its the wrong way aslong as all the holes are open and aren't obstucted by it?

[Its A Real Mini Adventure]

If its all symetrical, and its not stamped up top, or front, i carnt imadgen it would make much odds, is this a decent quality gasket?
If all else fails just rember the saying, shiney side up

[mike.]

I doubt its a very quality gasket - It was from Halfords.

I think in this case it might go shiney side down, so that the rough side is facing up to meet the rough side of the head.

[Its A Real Mini Adventure]

halfords! lol, this is a daft question, but no fitting insructions or anything with it?

[Its A Real Mini Adventure]

oo, just one more thing, just read your post about gasket sealent on headgaskets, it wont do it any harm to have a small amount on to help it seal.
Another trick you might already know about, is if youv cleaned up the bores and piston faces, smear some clean grease around the piston edges to help you get initial compresion and help with starting , and re-tourqe your head down after 1000m or so...