Volvo 2003 Head gasket

[mldpt]

Does anybody know what happens if the head gasket is out on uoside down. Does it prevent oil getting to the rocker cover.
Mike

 

[bigwow]

Won’t the waterways be blocked if the head gasket is upside-down?

 

[VicS]

Very probably. There is only likely to be one feed to the rocker shaft, probably at one end. If the gasket is upside down the hole through it for the oil feed will be at the wrong end.

Cooling channels may also be affected .

 

[pvb]

Isn't that why they stamp "TOP" on the upper surface? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[mldpt]

I know that top is marked on the top side and have replaced several head gaskets over the years. Its that I just cannot remember checking at the time and was disturbed while doing it I know that oil is getting to the rocker cover ok, I could simply remove th ehead again but its another £70 for the gasket and I am 99% sure it is correct but there is 1% doubt I had hoped that someone would come up with a deffinite. "if the oil is getting to the rockers then its right.
Mike

 

[bigwow]

Well if oil is getting to the rockers, the water is circulating and it's not overheating it would seem, to me, to be OK

 

[nigelhudson]

You cannot fit the gasket upside down because it is asymetric. There is extra land on the block and head at the front of the engine to allow for the oil feed. If you tried to fit the gasket upside down and lined up the bores the corresponding part of it would protrude over the rear of the engine. Stop worrying.

Make sure that you re-torque the head bolts after 20 hours running - it is surprising how much they slacken.

 

[mldpt]

Thanks for that nigel. I am sure I have irt right just a moment of doubt. I see you are a westerly owner, you have some great pictures on your site. I have a Corsair have had her since 1992, have been to the Med and at the moment I sail in Scotland, but winter in Jersey. Regards Mike