TR2/3/3A What direction does the head gasket go?

[Got_All_4]

No indication on the gasket it's self. Had others that had TOP stamped on it. This is the original style copper laminated with the folded edges. Looked all around the net and found nothing. Been 3 years since it's bee off and don't remember which direction.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I do mine with the folded edges on the top side but no idea if it even matters.

As I recall, in the old days they marked 'top' because it only worked one way -- that oil passage hole in the left rear corner I think -- but now gaskets come with an extra hole so they work either way.

 

[Got_All_4]

Saw that and that's what started the confusion. Anyway I found my old head gasket and the folded edges are up.

 

[charleyf]

The folded edges should be up. On one of my cars the edges were put down and the rear water passage was able to work water into that fold and then through the gasket. The result was a failed gasket and water into the rear cylinder. If the fold is up it is pressed against the head and therefore protcted.
Charley

 

[malbaby]

Be careful to trial fit the new gasket first as not all replacement gaskets are the same size.