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Spitfire Payen Head Gasket -which way up ?

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Johnny spit

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Hi All,

Can someone please advise me on which way up my Head Gasket should be ? It's an original NOS Payen AK520, for my spit .

I thought it would say TOP ! but all i can see is the AK520 and MADE IN ENGLAND ?

Thanks - John
 
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I’m racking my brain, and simply can’t remember what I did! Chances are, the “made in England” should be legible when installing…
 
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Some more information - suggesting a similar conclusion, “flat side down” which is the same as writing side up:

TR2/3/3A - head gasket... which way up?!

Moss 690-022. flat on one side, embossed on t'other, but which way up? No markings. Moss tech thinks the flat side is up. Should I use Permatex copper spray if I can get it here in outer Mongolia (aka rural BC)? Rebuilding a broken engine from scratch is such fun: but I need a helper to lift the...
www.britishcarforum.com www.britishcarforum.com
 
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Having said what I just said, it looks like you have (as you wrote) an original, no longer made, Payen … the rest of us are using the Bastuck reproductions. Your looks slightly different, and more importantly symmetrical. I’d still go writing side up…
 
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I agree Popeye ! I think i will go with the writing up .

I have only just bought the car and 2 miles down the road , the temp was high and steam coming into the cab !!! pulled over open the hood and found a core plug on the block leaking coolant and the head gasket bubbling at the rear end. Took the head off, cleaning it up and found a crack between 3 & 4 chamber.
So i have sourced another head ( big valve ) same as the one i removed. Will get it skimmed and hopefully be ready for rebuild next wkend.

The engine is a short crank GE from a herald, and as there were shims under the rocker, it's probably had a high lift cam along with a rebore etc etc

I'm finding new things everyday, only just found out it has a Type 9 5 speed fitted :smile:

So hoping all will go well when built back up, fingers crossed

Thanks for the support
 
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