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Another question that time has left without remembering. Using copper kote on gasket as I have done many times, and using again, anything I need to know about? Can I spray it on and leave it for a period of time, or spray on when ready to install?
See the photos, the old gasket come off this side up and from what I can see both sides look the same? But might be covered in copper kote? The new gasket has two sides which side should be toward the block,or down, if it makes a difference?

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I can’t answer but I am curious too. However, isn’t this in the wrong section?

Don't know if this is the correct area or not? How to tell? Thanks

In doing a google seems the copper side should be down toward block.

Alert BigKev and he can repoint any thread if necessary.

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I used Copper Kote on my head gasket when I assembled the engine. It is recommended by my engine builder. His advice worked well for me:
1 coat, (both sides), let dry
2nd coat, (both sides), let it dry
3rd coat, (both sides), let it go slightly tacky, and install.

Good luck,
Bob J.

I believe the head gasket goes on one way. At the very front of the block next to the bolt hole or stud in the center there is a smaller hole beside the bolt hole or stud which is a water bypass. There should be a matching hole in the gasket, and the gasket needs to go on so that the small hole in the front of the block is not covered by the gasket.

The gaskets I've seen make a provision for the little bleed hole at the front of the block at both ends of the gasket so it can be installed either way; both gaskets illustrated in post #1 show that. If in doubt, just visually check it. As to which side up, I was taught that the gasket is best installed with the edge folds of the flanges facing the head, the thought being that if damage occurs to the surface it's a lot easier to re-surface a head than to deck and block.

Sorry, there is no copper kote on the gasket yet, I misunderstood the question. The Copper is in the gasket assembly and is the side that goes face down on the blocks face, steel to the head. Notice the stamped wording on the steel side of the gasket in your shot? That is the side that is 'up' on installation, on mine it actually said 'UP'.
Bob J.

Thank you all, yes always thought copper side down. Getting too old and too long between engine work, and wanting to make sure. When younger could lift the head off, now need lots of assistance. Don't want to take off again for another ten years on this car.