The manual cautions you to install the head gasket correctly with the top marked. I have no marking on mine. I noticed the water holes are larger on one side & the gasket would fit either way. The holes in the head & block are all the same.I'm thinking that I should put the larger holes on the exhaust side. Could anyone tell me if this is correct?

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Thu, 08/04/2011 - 21:59

If all else fails, larger holes on exhaust side is correct. Makes sense as exhaust side of the head is hotter so more coolant flow helps even it out.

Submitted by pepe01@hughes.net on Thu, 08/04/2011 - 21:17

George, It is a composit gasket, I just meant that one side has a metal extension on the cyl. sealing ring to meet the rear water passages. The other side has no extra metal on the ring. I got it from Welsh. There is no name on the gasket or wrapper, but it says not returnable if opened.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Thu, 08/04/2011 - 20:47

Paul where did you get it? Who made it? It should be a composit gasket not plain gasket material--what ever that might be. At this point I would send it back!

Submitted by pepe01@hughes.net on Thu, 08/04/2011 - 20:43

George, I have examined it very closely with a bright light but can't identify a marking for top. I don't have the old one to compare. If I place the gasket on the block with the larger water holes on the exhaust side. the metal ring from #1 cyl. extends to the rear water passages on the block side. The top is plain gasket material. Does this help?