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.

Are head gaskets the same on both sides?

1. Fitment and Alignment. Some gaskets are nearly identical on both sides, but often there is a slight alignment issue either for the bolt holes or ports. Be sure to have the proper side so it assembles properly.

What are the first signs of a blown head gasket?

Bad head gasket symptoms

• White smoke coming from the tailpipe.
• BUBBLING IN THE RADIATOR AND COOLANT RESERVOIR.
• unexplained coolant loss with no leaks.
• Milky white coloration in the oil.
• Engine overheating.

Can you use a head gasket twice?

The reason behind this is: once the gasket is heat cycled, the embossments will not spring back to where they were originally. In a mock-up situation, it is perfectly acceptable to install, check clearances and reuse the gasket.

Is there a left and right head gasket?

RIGHT and LEFT are determined from the driver's perspective – the industry standard. 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.

Which Direction Should You Install a Fel-Pro Gasket?

40 related questions found

Do I need to put sealant on head gasket?

If you're installing one of those old school embossed steel gaskets, you need a sealer to cold seal the engine. But most modern gaskets do not need to be coated with any sealers. And if you're installing a coated gasket, avoid any chemical seals. ... This could cause deterioration and gasket failure.

What goes first thermostat or gasket?

DIYers and beginner mechanics always forget to put the thermostat gasket on the thermostat, as some new thermostats do not come with the gasket. If you do not put a thermostat gasket on you will have a leaky thermostat and air entering the cooling system. Meaning it will cause the car to overheat after time.

What happens if you install a head gasket backwards?

When you have the gasket on backwards, you're not cooling the block on that side. As a result, your engine can be roaring hot, making tons of steam, and the water going to the radiator can still be relatively cool.

Is there a head gasket sealant that really works?

The BlueDevil gasket sealer is an easy-to-use sealer that saves you money in repair bills for your car. It's a professional-grade head gasket sealer that also solves leakage issues associated with the heater cores, freeze plugs, and other components associated with the coolant apart from the radiator core.

Do you use gasket sealer on paper gaskets?

Shellac Gasket Sealer

Also known as Indian head shellac, this sealant is best used for thin paper gaskets or cardboards. It is good for low temperatures between 300 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit and low-pressure usage. ... For this reason, you can use it to mount a thermostat for timing cover gaskets and differentials.

Do you put gasket sealer on both sides of the gasket?

Many mechanics will use an RTV gasket maker to hold a conventional or cut gasket in place during assembly. Some mechanics will even use the RTV gasket maker as a dressing, coating both sides of the gasket.

Should you grease a head gasket?

I myself will use grease/oil to coat gaskets before putting them in place, EXCEPT the head gaskets which I put on dry. The benifit of oil/grease besides making it easier to "stick" the gasket in place is that the grease/oil will seal up micro pores in the metal and gasket and aid sealing in some cases.

Can you use high temp silicone on Headgasket?

It shouldn't leak without silicone, but strictly in answer to the question: any silicone sealant can be used on head gaskets.

Are all LS head gaskets the same?

They are the exact same. I have LS1 head gaskets on my truck.

Do you need to replace exhaust gasket?

The exhaust manifold gasket is subject to absorbing extreme heat and toxic exhaust gases. ... If this occurs, the seal between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head may leak. When the exhaust manifold gasket has been "pushed out" or "torched," it needs to be replaced by an experienced mechanic.

Where is the exhaust gasket?

The exhaust manifold gasket is located between the engine head and the exhaust manifold. This gasket is designed to withstand the extreme pressures from the cylinders and high temperatures from the gases traveling through it.

Should head bolts be oiled?

As a rule, the threads and underside of the head on most standard automotive head bolts should be lubricated with motor oil before the bolts are installed. The torque values specified by the engine manufacturer are typically based on oiled threads and fasteners – not dry fasteners.

What is the final step when torquing down head bolts?

The final step is to twist each bolt a specified number of degrees to stretch the bolts to their design limit. * If a bolt breaks when you are tightening it, you may have over-stretched it. Or, there may be debris in the bolt hole that is binding the bolt.

Should you replace head bolts when changing head gasket?

A poorly installed gasket leaks and can damage other engine components. All in all, it's often best to install new head bolts when you work on your cylinder head or head gasket, unless you can be absolutely sure the age and condition of your current ones.

How do you tell if head gasket is blown or head is cracked?

A very small crack in the head can cause asymptomatic or lightly symptomatic issues. They can creep up on you in a number of ways. You may find that the car is using coolant, but you never see any leaking underneath. Or you may notice that there's white sweet-smelling exhaust coming out the tailpipe.

What a head gasket leak looks like?

Milky Build-Up Under Oil Cap

If the gasket is intact, the inside of the oil cap should be relatively dry, with perhaps a little bit of engine oil on the inside. However, if you find a milky brownish-yellow substance that's roughly the color and consistency of a chocolate milkshake, you may have a head gasket leak.