Head gasket, which side up?

M

Mitch

Senior Member
I should know this, but need to be sure. I have Felpro 7013C R4 head gasket. Does the side with the crimped fire rings go down against the block? And would a copper coat spray or something be good to use on it?

FYI, it's an old B-F head.
 
Crimped part up,because its ez to have the head resurfaced if the gasket leaves a mark? Or is this a urban ledgend? I use coppercote.
 
The old rule of thumb I've heard is "printed side up or out" but I don't know if that is always true.

I have a new copper sandwich head gasket from one of the "good" suppliers that has no markings of any kind.

R4 is new to me. Wonder what's the difference between it and the R3?

Joe
 
FWIW, I alsway thought the crimped side went against the block because on some gasket sometime it had a This Side UP mark on it and the crimp was down.
 
Crimp side up. After a while there will be a shallow impression of the crimp.
Which would you rather have surfaced, the block or the head? Unless in other applications, there are specific shapes to the gasket and that is the only way it can go on.
Anyway, what difference does it make which way the crimp goes, it will be pinched and have about the same pressures from the top or bottom and exposure to the motor firing.
 
My old gasket was stamped R2 and this one says R4, and looks the same. The fire ring area between 1-2 and 3-4 is only 0.15", which does not give me great confidence, but that's the same as the old one. The marking/stampings are on the smooth side.

Sounds like it doen't matter. Thanks for the info.
 
If the gasket doesn't say "THIS SIDE UP", then I put the crimp up because it often leaves a mark in the head, which is easier to resurface than the block. I have seen some gaskets marked "THIS SIDE UP", which then has the crimp facing down. No brainer, I follow the directions then.

I always use COPPER COAT, even if it's one of the new gaskets that says "no additional sealer needed". Some people use silver or aluminum spray paint. I think either sealer or paint is better than nothing on the gasket.
 
Mitch said:
I should know this, but need to be sure. I have Felpro 7013C R4 head gasket. Does the side with the crimped fire rings go down against the block? And would a copper coat spray or something be good to use on it?

FYI, it's an old B-F head.
Click to expand...


The gasket will work either way but I think it's best to put the crimp side toward the head. After many, many miles a slight imprint can wear in the head. Also an imprint can wear in the block with the smooth side down believe it or not but you will probably be dead 40 years before it becomes a problem for the next owner as it takes a gillion miles!

BTW, regardless of the material, gasket imprints can occur on any brand of head, past or present, or any casting for that matter that is subject to vibration. It is not a problem until the casting or head is removed and it's not a problem then unless the imprint is deep.

The gasket is made to accommodate a 4" bore. That's why it's thinner between the cylinders. Many B-F customers have run 50,000 plus miles now using the gasket with no problems.

As per B-F Head instruction sheet:

"We install the head gaskets with a light coating of grease and that's it. However, if sealers are your preference you can use enamel spray paint or copper coat spray by Permatex. Apply just enough to cover. Install while the coating is STILL STICKY, very important."

Also the block and head combined should be flat at .0035" maximum, i.e., no more than .002" on the block and .0015" on the head (flat less than a .001" is best on the head as well as flat less than a .001" on the block if possible). Please check the block and head (after re-surface) to make sure everything is in range. Otherwise, depending on how far you put the pedal to the floor, service life may be less.
 
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Mitch said:
I should know this, but need to be sure. I have Felpro 7013C R4 head gasket. Does the side with the crimped fire rings go down against the block? And would a copper coat spray or something be good to use on it?

FYI, it's an old B-F head.
Click to expand...


I do believe Fel-Pro will say printed side up if you read there destruction's
 
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