head gasket orientation

[Deleted]

I have a question about a head gasket. I have an L 134 and have a new head gasket that came to me in a complete gasket set. There is no manufacturers name or markings of any kind, on either side of this head gasket. It is a metal gasket with one smooth side and the other side has the raised barriers around the valve/piston combustion area. My question is which side faces the block and which side faces the head. The old gasket had the smooth side facing toward the block, and the raised side toward the head. A mechanic I know that works on old jeeps said raised side toward the block. Now I;m confused. Would someone please clarify this for me.

leonard007

[rudycon]

Crimp side to the head. After a while, the ring will leave an imprint and it is easier to machine the head than the block.

[Deleted]

Now, that is the best logic that I've heard, today.  Come to think of it, that is the only logic that I've heard today.  I'm going with it. Thanks a million.

Leonard007

[Deleted]

Personally, I never use the steel sided head gaskets. They just don't work as well as the fiber or copper ones. Too many imperfections in these old engines. At best, both the head and block need to be planed or surfaced. I was told the block doesn't expand and contract as much as the head does. So, the steel side goes on the block and the fiber side, on the head. Mine leaked on the steel side with all the above done and with copper coat sprayed on the steel. The all fiber ones didn't. The fiber and copper ones are installed dry, no goo. On all types, it's a must to re-torque as soon as the engine is up to operating temp. and then again after some run time. Oilly

[jeffwho]

Oilly, are the all-fibre ones still available? I've only seen the metal-side type .. got a part number perchance?

[Deleted]

Thanks Oilly. I think I am going to invest in a better head gasket. This gasket came with one of those complete gasket sets and I think the quality is lacking. To me, this is important. Like Jeff said the only ones I can find is the composite on one side and metal on the other. My old dodge has a couple of Fel-Pros with composite on both sides. Work great. If you know who sells them for the L 134, and have a part number, I sure would appreciate you letting me know.

[Deleted]

Walcks has both the fiber and the copper. Kaiser Willys might also. You are making a wise choice in my book. Oilly

[Deleted]

Walcks has both the fiber and the copper. Kaiser Willys might also. You are making a wise choice in my book. Do not let them confuse which one. They have sent me a F head 134 by mistake. Oilly

[Deleted]

Thanks, Oilly. Good and timely information.

[zooke581]

I installed the Felpro head gasket on mine with copper coat on the steel side. Retorqued it each time after four heat cycles and no leaks after 600 miles so far.

[Deleted]

I installed two of those felpros. Used copper coat. First one leaked. I was so mad I took the other one off a just finished, never run engine. It released from the block like it wasn't glued down at all. Maybe the copper coat wasn't the thing to use. I like the copper gasket the best. Clean and easy. It's also the most expensive, but hey I always pick the most expensive way it seems. Oilly

[Deleted]

I used one of those copper ones. The damn thing still seeps after multiple retorques. I just drain the antifreeze outa the oil pan and reuse it.

[Deleted]

I'll bet your contact fell out just as you set the gasket. Keep a eye on it!

[rudycon]

I sprayed copper coat on both sides of my modern studebaker felpro steel gasket.

Then I dropped it on the garage floor where a bunch of pine needles and a few dead/live spiders stuck to it. Darn! Brushed off the chunks, bolted it home and torqued it 2x after warmups.

[Deleted]

The live spiders are real gluey-gonna be a bitch it you ever gotta change it.

[Deleted]

Ground up Locusts or Grasshoppers will work in a pinch as well!, just sayin.

[Deleted]

Duct tape both sides and burn out the holes.