1939 John Deere B head gasket

[Jeremy White]

Hey Folks! I'm working on my 1939 John Deere B which blew a head gasket. I've gotten it apart and everything checked out now I'm ready to start putting it back together. I bought a genuine John Deere head gasket and I'm not sure which side goes to the block. The gasket is marked with "V" and that's all. Any advice will GREATLY be appreciated! Thank you all and God Bless!!!

 

[Bob]

If it isn't specifically marked, most likely it doesn't matter.

The "V" is likely the "Victor Gaskets" trademark.

IMHO, typically, many mechanics would put the side with ANY printing or marks towards the head, though.

UNLESS that printing were to say "This Side Down", or "This Side to Block"! (LOL!)

 

[Mark-Ia]

Smooth side to the block, fire rings towards the head,

 

[Jeremy White]

Thanks for the Help! Most head gaskets I've replaced are marked "this side up" but this one isn't. Wasn't sure if it mattered or not. Thanks guys!

 

[thdrduck]

Where you able to just get a head gasket or did you need to buy the whole set? When I did my head I couldn't just find the head gasket by itself for this series B. Just wondering.

 

[Jeremy White]

Yes. I took the part numbers from the block and the head and
the John Deere dealership went back through the books, cross
referenced the part numbers and they got me just the head
gasket and 9 lead washers for $32.00! They tried to make me
buy a pack of 25 lead washers cause that's how John Deere
sells them but I was able to convince to keep the rest cause
they were around $1.25 a piece and I only needed 9. Good
luck to ya Thdrduck!