Head Gasket Crimped or Rolled Edges Up or Down

[Jazzjr]

I'm Confused. On a Head Gasket, where the Copper or Steel wraps around (rolled edge) about 1/16 of an inch, and crimped. Which way does it go on Engine, Up towards the Head, or Down towards the Block???

I was always told, the stamped Manufactures Name goes up, against the Head, if it doesn't say this side up.

I'm having my head resurfaced, I one I put on years ago was a McCord 5571 steel gasket with the name to the Head, which put the rolled crimped edges up. Engine ran fine. I have a New Copper Gasket with no Stampings on it.

Doing some Research Macs catalog says rolled edges up.
Les Andrews Res Book Vol. 1, says Down, to the Block. Page 1-149
This video Link, he says and shows Down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QosgVr8NoU

[J Franklin]

UP! Wear out the head, it is easier to replace.

[zzlegend]

I installed on a few months ago and I put the rolled edge up. I fiqure it is easier to resurface a head then a block if it should leave a small infraction. Just my opinion.
Good luck with it.

[Purdy Swoft]

If the rolled edge is on the bottom it will eventualy wear grooves in the upper deck of the block as the head teeters on the block as the engine runs. I have an engine with a worn deck because the gasket was run in this manner for many years. Getting the block redecked was going to be a drawn out ordeal. The head was original. I decided to try the Snyders new silicone type gasket. The Snyders gasket has performed flawlessly for the past seven years. I use tap water with water pump lubricant as a coolant.

[Jazzjr]

Thanks Fellows, I thought I was doing it right, with the rolled edges UP or Fire Rings up. Again maybe Les has a Mistake in his book again??

[MikeK]

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The last Fel-Pro copper I used went crimp down.

[ford3]

crimp always goes against the head for the reasons stated

[Tom Wesenberg]

My 52 Studebaker V8 gaskets are marked "THIS SIDE UP" and the crimp goes against the block, even though it could fit either way. I've always put the crimp up on my Model A's though. I don't know that it will matter in my lifetime.

[Jazzjr]

Today I sent a PM to a well known Engine Builder here on the Forum. His answer was that Rolled Edges or Crimp goes Up. So I have installed them the Correct Way in the Past.

[MikeK]

Originally Posted by Jazzjr

. . . So I have installed them the Correct Way in the Past.

Based on OPINION. If you assume everything a particular engine builder says is correct you are being lead down a slippery path. Perhaps he surfaces blocks to such a low RMA finish he is unable to take advantage of the increased mechanical lock and seal the crimped side presents to the narrow siamese areas. The head side is flat and wide, and the head moves against the gasket, not the gasket against the block if both surfaces have the correct finish and the gasket is installed as intended, Maker's ID side up. Any crimped gasket that 'prints' the block tells of a surface finish mismatch.

Deciding surface finish and type of gasket is always a compromise. Modern (really modern) spring stainless core no-retorque gaskets require an extremely fine and very flat surface. The Model A 'modern' (30 y.o. tech) silicone gaskets seal against liquids best with a finer rma finish, but cannot hold their surfaces well in siamese areas if subject to high pressures. The 'sandwich' gaskets, either copper or steel, are much stronger against blowout in siamese areas IF the proper mechanical lock is established between the block and gasket, leaving only the head surface to float. The compromise here is possible slow liquid leakage. Composition faced gaskets present the most compliant surface for liquid sealing and also present increased siamese area pressure resistance IF they are made with a steel core and fire ring. The disadvantage is VERY quick loss of initial torque, perhaps 50% after the first heat cycle. You need to be vigilant 'till it holds 85% initial, something most model A guys won't do.

I'm sure your 'engine builder' doesn't offer different surface finishes based on what type of gasket you choose to use.