Skip Navigation

Select Language

Technical Tips

Which Direction Should You Install a Fel-Pro® Gasket?

Starting the Repair Right

Installing gaskets in the correct direction is critical. In this article, Fel-Pro® will help you determine ‘which side is up’ to correctly install various gaskets types.

Some gaskets are asymmetric, and the correct orientation can be visually distinguished. However, others can be installed with either side facing up and the gasket will seal either way. Sometimes gaskets for the same engine might appear very similar, but will not function properly if installed in the wrong direction.

Getting Oriented

So how do you know which way a Fel-Pro gasket is supposed to face when it’s being installed? Fortunately, in the case of head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets, most Fel-Pro gaskets have directional markings to help install them correctly when gasket orientation is critical to the installation.

Before we take a look at the different markings you’ll find on Fel-Pro gaskets, let’s talk about what we mean when we say front, left, right, top and up. Different nameplates use different nomenclature in their OE service manuals for directional markings; for consistency in leveraging repair information, Fel-Pro works to follow the nameplate reference.

Gasket-Direction-Front

Front

What is the FRONT of the engine? This can be confusing, especially when dealing with a transversely-mounted engine, which most front wheel drive vehicles have. The answer is quite simple though – the front of the engine is the end where the drive belts are located.

Gasket-Direction-Right-Left

Right and Left

RIGHT and LEFT are determined from the driver’s perspective – the industry standard. If you were to install your gaskets on the left and right side based on looking at the engine from the front of the vehicle, the gaskets would be incorrectly installed.

Gasket-Direction-Top

Top or This Side Up

TOP or THIS SIDE UP means that’s the side of the gasket that should be facing you once it’s installed.

Gasket-Direction-Up

Up

The UP stamp is found on Fel-Pro head gaskets for Subaru engines, which have horizontally opposed cylinders. The edge of the gasket with the Up stamp must be kept up toward the top of the engine block.

Non-Directional Gaskets

Fel-Pro-Gaskets-Pair

In some cases, head gaskets or intake manifold gaskets won’t have any directional indicators on them. They may have Blue Stripe® coating or be a different color. In these cases, it does not matter which direction the gasket is installed. If it were crucial, it would be marked.

For example, the Small Block Chevy and the GM 3.4L V6 head gaskets can be installed with the Blue Stripe coating facing the cylinder heads or the engine block. There are no directional markings on the gaskets.

Water Outlet and Thermostat Gaskets

Water-Outlet-Thermostat-Gaskets-Animation

Water outlet and thermostat gaskets can be installed with the striping facing either direction, as long as there no directional indicators. If there are bypass holes, the gasket must be installed in the correct orientation to allow coolant flow.

Exhaust Manifold Gaskets

Exhaust-Manifold-Gasket-Animation

When installing Fel-Pro exhaust manifold gaskets, if there is a smooth, metallic side and a composite side, the metallic side should be installed facing out, meaning toward the exhaust manifold. This smooth surface of the shiny side will allow the flange of the exhaust manifold to slide as it expands and contracts during heat cycling from engine operation.

DOWNLOAD BULLETIN

Learn more about Fel-Pro quality gaskets that are specifically designed for the repair environment, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.

Related Stories
loading...
loading...

Other Parts For Your Vehicle

Fel-Pro® offers a wide variety of auto parts for all your vehicle needs.
Check them out today!