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| | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 | One side of the head gasket I bought for my '58 235 is all metallic, and the other side is standard composite gasket material. Does it matter which side goes up toward the head?? I'm afraid of putting it in backward! My second question is, should I use gasket sealer material on the head gasket? The head and block were resurfaced and the gasket is new. I've read other posts on this topic, but there seem to be as many answers as there are questions. Much thanks! | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Norcal49er,
I'm going to be dumb and say that your head gasket will only fit properly one way. I don't believe in sticking anything on a nice new head gasket as it's pretty much a mechanical seal especially after decking the block and surfacing the head.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 22 Apprentice | | Apprentice Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 22 | Back years ago I was taught to put them on dry, no gasket sealer. I have done that for years and never had a failure. Which side goes up I ussually deternimed by the way the holes lined up on the head and block. The water chambers and oil ports have to line up and not be blocked.
My 2 cents if it helps. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 | All of the holes line up regardless of which side is up. Nothing is stamped on the gasket, and there were no instructions in the box. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,115 | I was under the impression that it only fits one way. I am used to seeing some lettering on it somewhere to identify which side is up. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | norcal49er,
As Fred states, some gaskets indicate 'engine side' or 'this side up'. I looked in an old book I have and it clearly states the head gasket will only fit one way to allow all the coolant holes a clear path. Maybe the '58 has done away with this requirement. Check real close and look at all the holes, I'll bet some are covered when they shouldn't be with it flipped the wrong way.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 293 | Thanks, guys. The 3rd time I checked it, I noticed there is ONE hole that is not symmetrical. The metal side of the gasket goes down! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 59 | NorCal,
I had the same problem. I called the gasket co. that made the gasket i was using, they told me to spray the metal side with Copper Gasket adhesive you can get from Napa and the metal side goes against the block. Hope this helps.
Patrick | | |
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