Which way is up?

[sam000lee]

One side of the cylinder head gasket has an `H' and a little bit more metal:

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and the other side:

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I'm guessing the `H' side goes up, but want to double check before I install my new $75 gasket.

[John Park]

I'm surprised that nobody has replied yet. I've always seen the H side up on disassembly, so reassembled that way. I think the H stands for 'head' side. The extension of the flame ring under the exhaust side of the head to deal with the heat makes more sense than having it against the cylinder, which doesn't know which side the exhaust is on.

If I'm wrong, I've gone a long way down the road with the head gasket upside down. Surprisingly, I haven't found reference as to which way round it goes in the manuals I have.

[sam000lee]

Thanks John, I had thought maybe H stood for head but didn't want to make the assumption.