Dual port intake gasket - which way up and which way round?

[Who.Me?]

I've been trying to sort a rough idle condition that's been bugging me with my 1600 dual port engine. I pressurised the manifold and it revealed a vacuum leak on the left hand manifold-to-head joint, so I've stripped the manifold end off. It had some scoring on the mating surface, so I've lapped it to make it flat and smooth again.

When I refit it, which way up and which way round should the metal gasket go? It has a raised ring around the port holes and around the stud holes. Does the raised side go against the head or against the mainfold.

Also, between the two port holes there is a smaller punched hole. Should that go on the inboard or outboard side (closest to the engine or furthest away?)

I've done this job a few times and I'm never sure which way up and round it should go.

Alternatively, I have ordered a fiber gasket. Is that type more reliable? I'm only changing the left hand side gasket, as the right hand side had no leaks. The right hand side has the metal gasket. Would mixing the types cause an issue (the fiber gasket is quite a bit thicker)

Thanks

Andy

[Dougie]

I believe it's raised upwards and hole inward. I've never had an issue with the fibre gaskets, they crush nicely and seal well.

[Who.Me?]

Thanks Dougie. I've found a copy of the Haynes bay window manual online. It has this picture of the gasket, so it looks like it's raised upward like you suggest, but hole outward (the sparkplugs are visible in the background). I've searched for ages over the last couple of days, but couldn't find a better picture...

[Dougie]

Some heads had a small peg to locate the manifold, you can just see it in the picture. If there's no peg I don't imagine there is too much to worry about which way round the gasket goes.

[Who.Me?]

Some heads had a small peg to locate the manifold, you can just see it in the picture. If there's no peg I don't imagine there is too much to worry about which way round the gasket goes.

Ahh. I wondered if that was a peg or just a shadow in the photo. Thanks again.

[vwJim]

I always use the fibre type. Much more confidence in them.

[Who.Me?]

I always use the fibre type. Much more confidence in them.

Thanks Jim. Do you use any sealant with them?

[vwJim]

Nope. Just dry.