Felpro head gaskets which side up

Sometimes gaskets for the same engine might appear very similar, but will not function properly if installed in the wrong direction. Fortunately, in the case of head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets, most Fel-Pro gaskets have directional markings to help install them correctly when gasket orientation is critical to the installation.

Different nameplates use different nomenclature in their OE service manuals for directional markings; for consistency in leveraging repair information, Fel-Pro works to follow the nameplate reference. This can be confusing, especially when dealing with a transversely-mounted engine, which most front wheel drive vehicles have.

The answer is quite simple though — the front of the engine is the end where the drive belts are located. If you were to install your gaskets on the left and right side based on looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle, the gaskets would be incorrectly installed.

The UP stamp is found on Fel-Pro head gaskets for Subaru engines, which have horizontally opposed cylinders. The edge of the gasket with the Up stamp must be kept up toward the top of the engine block. In these cases, it does not matter which direction the gasket is installed. If it were crucial, it would be marked. There are no directional markings on the gaskets.

Water outlet and thermostat gaskets can be installed with the striping facing either direction, as long as there no directional indicators. If there are bypass holes, the gasket must be installed in the correct orientation to allow coolant flow. When installing Fel-Pro exhaust manifold gaskets, if there is a smooth, metallic side and a composite side, the metallic side should be installed facing out, meaning toward the exhaust manifold.

This smooth surface of the shiny side will allow the flange of the exhaust manifold to slide as it expands and contracts during heat cycling from engine operation.

Learn more about Fel-Pro quality gaskets that are specifically designed for the repair environment, find your car part , or find where to buy your auto part today. The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein.

It's expensive to replace because it involves stripping the engine of almost all major external components, including the cylinder head s. Subaru has never really solved the head gasket issues as you read the posts there are still vehicles experiencing head gasket failures. Subaru has also had problems with the new design engines that switched to a timing chain in I believe.

To ensure the maximum life of a head gasket you must make sure that your engine and its cooling system is working well. If the engine is running cool and smooth, then the head gasket should last as long as the engine. In , this means you may get , miles, or more than 10 years, out of that head gasket. If you're installing aluminum cylinder heads , we always recommend using gaskets with a soft copper wire ring, such as the Fel-Pro Copper Ring Head Gasket for small block Chevy engines.

This will ensure that the aluminum head is not "scarred" by the combustion seal when you torque the heads. The stronger the head gasket , the more difficult it can be for it to make a good seal on the surface of your engine block. If your block isn't perfectly flat it may be worth using a softer head gasket to will seal more easily even if it won't handle temperatures and pressures as high as, say a metal head gasket. Yes, some method of sealing is required if the engine will be running coolant or oil through the head gasket.

Since most engines run coolant and oil through the head gaskets we'll discuss head gasket sealants. Most importantly, you don't need very much; second, don't use silicone.. Installing a head gasket upside down is a serious and silly mistake, which would lead most people to believe there have been other mistakes made on this build. I suggest replacing the gasket , right side up and see if that solves your issues. Installing gaskets in the correct direction is critical.

However, others can be installed with either side facing up and the gasket will seal either way. Sometimes gaskets for the same engine might appear very similar, but will not function properly if installed in the wrong direction. So no way would you ever need to use a gasket and sealer at the same time.

Just a thin material to seal the scratches is all that is necessary. Too much sealer and you could get a leak. Just use a gasket and you will be good to go. I put a skim coat of RTV on them. I've never used sealant on paper gaskets. With flat surfaces and proper torqueing you should have no need for it. With flat, smooth surfaces and proper torquing you shouldn't need a gasket. Using RTV on the gaskets with fluoroelastomer coating or silicone sealing beads causes multiple issues: The sealer can chemically attack the rubber sealing beads and degrade them.

RTV can act as a lubricant and cause the rubber gasket to slip out of place and split, creating an opportunity for leaks. A general rule, if you are using gasket sealant , you don't need a lot!

Most replacement gasket manufacturers will include instructions for installation that will outline if sealants need to be applied.

Surface Finish: The sealing surfaces should be dry and clean. It is fine to use the correct RTV sealant instead of a gasket if used in the right application oil, high temp, fuel. Not, however, if the gasket thickness is required to produce a specific amount of clearance. RTV sealant is better than primitive gaskets in most applications ie.

Number 2 sealants work best on cork gaskets or paper oil pan gaskets. They are often used on neoprene transmission pan gaskets as well. Aviation form-a- gasket has the advantage of being brushable, so you can lay on a thin or thick coat to seal metal flanges, machined surfaces and solid gaskets. Buy on Amazon.