Head gasket questions

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Two questions.<br /><br />1. What's the thinnest head gasket you can get? I noticed that when I changed out my head gasket on one bank I lost about 4-5 psi per cylinder. I bought a pair but only did one side so far. I just compared the old gasket to the spare new one, and noticed that the old gasket is a 0.070 and the new gasket is a 0.100 which probably accounts for the compression difference. <br /><br />2. Also comparing the old and new gaskets, I noticed that though the gaskets are the same manufacturer, the old gasket has "block side" stamped on the printed side. I looked for this on the new gasket but couldn't find it when installing. I now found it, and in teeny tiny letters the new gasket says "head side" on the printed side. How bad is it if the new gasket is installed upside down? It is....<br /><br />thanks<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[tvpear12]

Re: Head gasket questions

The head gasket must be installed in the correct manner. remove that gasket and install a new one according to the way it is stamped.as for the diff in thickness is more than likley because the old one has been crushed {Installed} and the new one has not been. The water jackets in the head gasket will be in the wrong place if installed wrong. The result will be overheating. DO NOT REUSE THAT GASKET.

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Head gasket questions

I'm not sure but I think at least on a V4 you can tell if the gasket is turned right without removing the head. I seem to remember a small tab on the top side of the gasket that sticks out. If that tab is on the inside on the other side of the engine it should be on the inside on this side. Or it might be on the outside. Maybe someone more experienced can tell you more or someone who has one handy they can look at. I am assuming a V6 would be the same. I'm pretty sure that tab is on the inside of the upper cylinder though.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Head gasket questions

The gaskets are stamped, one is stamped as .070 (old) and the other is .100 (new). <br /><br />The tab is at the top of the engine. I know for a afact I installed it with the printed side toward the block since that's how the old one was. The new ones have 'head side' stamped on the printed side. <br /><br />I'm leaving for Maine for a week, so don't get offended if it looks like I'm ignoring you if you reply here, I'll be checking when I get back.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Head gasket questions

OMC went back and forth with thin and thicker gaskets for the closed deck motor. Just use them in pairs. No big deal.