Morris Minor Owners Club

I have searched the forum but cant find the answer, I have bought a copper head gasket and one side is black rubbery coated and the other is shiny copper, am I right in thinking the black rubbery side faces down against the block and the copper side faces up against the cyclinder head? Regards, Steve

Don't like the sound of black rubbery............ Better with copper on both faces. I would fit with copper UP - against the head. And I would wipe over with a thin film of grease before fitting... Not sure what to advise for the black/rubber face....
Where did you get this monstrosity???

Sorry if this is classed as hijacking a thread, steve, but this is the type of gasket I used, although I believe it to be fibre not rubber. I'm going to replace my gasket again to see if it cures my problems (see 'cracked head piston rings' thread) although I'm not blaming this type of gasket for them. I believe this is the type that bullmotif suggest, although i sourced mine locally and only found out they should be greased after I'd fitted it! Where might I get a double sided copper gasket from please bmcecosse? theres no harm in trying a different type even though I'm sure these fibre/copper ones are up to the job. Thanks.

Sorry - dunno -maybe Minispares/Minisport?? Last ones I bought from local Autoparts place were copper faced. And don't panic -the greasing is an old mechanic trick - many will be back on to say don't bother.....

Try Gaskets for Classics gasketsforclassics@tiscali.co.uk 01908 366435

Yes it came from Bullmotif spares, Not sure wether to try it or not now

many will be back on to say don't bother....

I think greasing a gasket dates back to the steam age - not useful on car head gaskets, and it's rumoured to increase the chances of failure.
If it's a good idea, then why do car manufacturers avoid it? Rather like the 'magic' magnets on the fuel line, if it doesn't work, they don't do it..

Grease or not grease ? Which is best ?? Only one way to find out ! FIGHT !!
(Harry Hill Humour)

I have used a greasy rag to put a thin layer on to the head gasket,never had a problem

Yes it came from Bullmotif spares

Why not ask them which way they reccomend for installing the gasket? Then if there is a problem, it's back to them.

Indeed gaskets on steam engines ARE greased before fitting - but that's not where I learned to do it to car head gaskets... I've never seen it blamed for causing failure!!! Any example of that Ray??? But do it or don't do it - it's up to the user. I simply tell it as I do.......

I've been greasing since I wore nappies. Great stuff.

You can fit it dry and it will give no problems. In theory the grease may cause trouble as this will melt away and leave the tiniest of spaces for the gases and water to creep in - and then failure soon follows.