37 B head gasket, which way??

Which way does the head gasket go on a 37 B? I am thinking the flat side to the block, but I am not sure.

Excerpt from John Deere Model "H" Service Guide - - -

2-2. Installing Cylinder Head -- Soak the cylinder head gasket in engine oil for five seconds and allow to drain for one minute before installation. Whether the new gasket comes form Deere, or somewhere else, you are advised to install with the smooth side facing the cylinder block (Usually the metal side because you have crimps on the unsmooth side). Look at your gasket, and in particular, look at the rim around the cylinder bore area. You will see where the metal layer is crimped. This crimp is the firing ring and is to face the engine head. With some gasket brands, I am told that you may find the water passages with their crimp running the other way -- this is not significant in terms of orientation of the gasket. If both sides are the same, orientation is not an issue.

Use sealing washers under head stud nuts that are inside the tappet cavity, lead on the two upper two, and the larger lead (or copper) washer on the oil lead stud. Tighten stud nuts from the center outward (imagine a circular pattern, gradually expanding). Repeat the circuit, drawing the nuts up to a lower torque, then a higher torque, and still a higher one, until finally on the final go-around you bring them up to the 96 foot-pounds for all except the 3/4-inch oil lead stud which should be brought to 180 foot-pounds.

NOTE -- Some are tempted to use A193 ASTM B7 rod for cylinder head stud stock. B7 rod use is not recommended! Also -- be aware that the two internal 9/16-12 studs turn into an open water jacket. The B7 rod will not fill these holes, and internal coolant leaking is a possibility!

TIP -- Remove crankcase cover (paragraph 2-26) when installing push rods so that rods can be guided into cam followers. See paragraph 2-4 for tappet settings.

TIP -- Wait 24 to 48 hours, and then repeat torque operations. Follow this series with engine run-up, bringing engine temperature up to at least 180°F. During run-up, check for leaks of fuel, oil and coolant.

TIP -- Recommended practice -- Once operating temperature is reached, stop engine and retighten all stud nuts to the correct torque; from Field Service Bulletin (FSB) 201, March 1953.

NOTE -- For all engines employing push rods and tappet rocker arms, if you tighten any of the cylinder head nuts AFTER tappet adjustment without disturbing the tappet setting fasteners, recheck tappet settings after re-torque because tightening decreases the thickness of the head gasket, and changes the tappet adjustment (Repair Service Bulletin 49-R, 5-15-35).

Thanks Pat for all your information. I figured it was the smooth side toward the block, but I wanted to know for sure before I installed it.

180# on the oil stud?????????

Remember -- this is an excerpt from a John Deere Model "H" publication -- and the torque values were not necessarily the thrust of the thread. Often it is easier for me to lift a section from a publication than to sit here and re-type the part a fellow needs. The important thing is to give credit to the publication and or author we lift from. Anyway, for the Model "H" tractor, these data are correct. (PatB)