Head gasket Which way up?

[GPO_Van]

Hi all
Which way up does the head gasket go? No top or bottom written on it, when turned end to end it fits over all studs and is open on all oil and water ways whichever way it is.
Copper colour one side greeny brown the other
Thanks
Reg
PS reading some of the related threads some people have said but grease on, yet I have heard , best not to put anything on, just make sure everything clean![frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[chrisryder]

i'd go for copper side up.

i'd fit it dry, but some do say to smear a thin layer of grease over it.

[bmcecosse]

I always use a film of grease - it's never failed me yet. Either way is fine - but I would put the copper up - no real reason for doing so, except I guess the greater heat risk is in the head.

[GPO_Van]

Hi
Fitted copper up ,
Thanks to both of you for your input
Reg

[bmcecosse]

Remember to retorque it after the first heat cycle - and then regap the valves, 12thou inlets and 15 thou exhausts.

[Fingolfin]

Hey BMC, just for kicks, how exactly does one set the valve gaps? I've been looking around on the internet and here and the other forum, and I can't find a procedure.

[bmcecosse]

It's everywhere! And certainly in the manual. Rule of 9 - when #8 valve is down, adjust #1, when #7 valve is down, adjust #2 etc etc.

[Neil MG]

Here is an explanation and instruction video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fezXUwVfH7U

It's on an MG T series Midget but as the guy says the method is exactly the same for MGB and Midget i.e. B-series and A-series (as on the Morris Minor) engine. You will see that it looks very much the same, although the nuts are 7/16 af if memory serves.

The easiest way I find to turn the engine over is to work in 3rd gear with the handbrake off. I just nudge the car backward to turn the engine. You can use the starting handle (in neutral!) and remove the plugs if you prefer

When you reassemble, remember not to overtighten the two rocker cover fixings as you will distort the cover.

[Fingolfin]

Okay. Well, can't see how I missed all that. I really had been searching a while...must not have been searching for the right things. (I'm very new to engine stuff...if you couldn't tell... )