head gasket seam side up or down?

[mrtexas]

I'm installing new copper head gaskets after putting in new rings and rod bearings in my 37 85hp.

Does the seam side go up or down or doesn't matter for a copper head gasket?

[fordscript]

my understanding is the 'seam' side goes to the 'coldest' surface ,ie not the head. But all the headgaskets I have ever had all seem to be made the same way, so it only works for Flathead V8's on one side. But I have never had any problem with the 'seam' contacting the head, so perhaps it doesnt matter. I think that the larger water holes in the gasket being to the rear of the block would be a lot more important.

[Phil Gillespie]

Agree with fordscript.
More important to ensure larger water hole passages are at the rear as this may effect cooling process if incorrectly fitted

Phil
NZ

[Ronnie]

Old wives tail.Using a small block fords as an example One side is up and the other side is down you have no choice as they don't have left and right gaskets "only front" is marked on the gasket..Your flatty is no different any side up.

R

[ford3]

the seams or fire ring as its called, goes against the head, if any wear is encountered by the ring it will be on the head, much easier to surface a head than a block

[Ronnie]

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Originally Posted by ford3

the seams or fire ring as its called, goes against the head, if any wear is encountered by the ring it will be on the head, much easier to surface a head than a block

Read my post how do you do that with a small block ford??? You can't one will be up other down .It works think about it!

R

[ford3]

i thought we were talking flatheads, havent built to many small block fords but on chevy v/8's the fire ring goes against the head

[JWL]

As already stated here, it makes no difference where the "seam" is. However, it is important to have the water holes oriented properly.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

Haven't the flathead gaskets got a small notch on them that goes to the front? correct me if I am wrong, but as Ronnie and others say there is no " right way up or down" but there is a " right way around "

GB

[Mart]

If the front and back have to be orientated correctly, you won't be able to avoid having one with the seams up and one with the seams down.

I think.

Mart.

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by Mart

If the front and back have to be orientated correctly, you won't be able to avoid having one with the seams up and one with the seams down.

I think.

Mart.

That is correct

R

[mrtexas]

No front or back to this one: