im putting a new oem head gasket on an astro van. one side of the gasket has a maze of metal stripping and the other side is plain. which side goes on facing up? thanks
Who made the gasket?
This is a part you want to get right.
Ask the gasket manufacture.
Ask where you bought it.
Most head gaskets will fit only one way. Look it over very carefully to make sure all the holes and such (including small oil passages) line up. I’d be surprised if it was perfectly symmetrical.