Head Gasket Replacement

[gspineda]

I'm replacing my head gasket on my P15. The new head gasket is constructed of copper on one side and material on the other. Three questions: Which side goes down against the block? Do I need to put down some liquid gasket sealer or some type of sealer on any of the sides of the gasket? If so, What do I use. Thanks for the help.

[40phil41]

My head gasket has copper on two sides with material sandwiched in between. I have used both with and without sealant with equal success.

Phil

[PatS....]

My head gasket had "TOP" embossed on one side. I used copper spray.

[captden29]

mine have always had copper on both sides and i was told not to use sealant. i was told to use copper spray which i did and no problems.i have always cleaned up my original head bolts and re-used them but most discussions on this site say to use new. if i were to do another one i would get new headbolts. also i never cleaned out the threads in the block with a tap and i hear that is a good idea for best torquing. dennis

[Reg Evans]

They aren't symetrical. It'll only line up one way. Copper spray seems good.

[Normspeed]

I re-used my head bolts. Cleaned the threads on a wire wheel, ground off the corroded ends with the grinding wheel. My head gasket is too long a story but the short version is, it was re-used by my machine shop when they had to do remedial work at 500 miles. Now around 3,000 and no problems so far but some day I'll replace it just for the peace of mind.