78 GS1000 head gasket question

[crackerman]

Hey now,

Just had my top end rebuilt and got a full gasket kit to replace the head gasket. My question is there's 4 rubber O rings that go around the 2 outside studs. Should I put them on under the head gasket or on top of the head gasket. Which side of the O ring goes up. One side has like a yellow ring around it and other side is all black or does it even matter? From the old gasket it looks it just gets squished in there anyway. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks

Old head gasket:


New one with new O rings:

[rustybronco]

If it were mine I would put the head gasket down first and then push the o-rings 'into' the copper washer. If they stay in place go ahead and put the head back on being careful not to dislodge the o-rings. If they don't stay in place, put a little Indian head shellac or similar on the copper gaskets, let it dry for a bit then push the o-rings into place.

I wouldn't worry which side is up or down in regards to the yellow coating. Put them all one way or the other.

[Guest]

Dale's right, on top. Use a dab of a high heat gasket maker to keep them in place. You'll have to watch them as you lower the head down to make sure they stay in place, along with all the other o-rings.

[Chris G]

Do the o rings come with the gasket, or are they separate items looking at the parts list previously for my 850, they don't appear to be a separate item

[mvalenti]

flip flops in the shop?

BTW... North of Boston as well..

[Guest]

Do the o rings come with the gasket, or are they separate items looking at the parts list previously for my 850, they don't appear to be a separate item

He's bought an aftermarket gasket kit, the o-rings come with the kit. Vesrah kit most likely. Won't catch me buying one of those again.

[crackerman]

flip flops in the shop?

BTW... North of Boston as well..

Yes balls hot and humid in my garage.

Picked up some Indian Head gasket stuff and got the head torqued down. Now I'm trying to figure out how this thing goes in. It's like a puzzle and I've try a bunch of combinations but can't figure it out. The book is useless too.

Any know how this thing fits in? I know it goes between the cams, just not sure how.

[crackerman]

Head gasket

Never mind. When in doubt, google it. Google timing chain and figured it out from the parts list.

[Eli69]

that piece fits right between the cam sprockets and carries the chain to keep it from flopping around. the arrow points forward and the top will be even with the bottom of the chain stretched straight across. it basically just drops into place, there's nothing to connect it to. there is also a chain guide above it on the valve cover i think.