I'm about to install a new Honda Headgasket onto my d15b8.

Had the head shaved, and pressure tested.
New dowels.
Cleaned the block as best I could... Thinking about using copper spray, but i'm not sure...

How do you install the headgasket and cylinder head? Do you

A) Put the dowels into the block, put the headgasket down onto the block, and then put the cylinder head down ontop? Do the dowels even fit into the block? Are the holes for the dowels the same size in the head and block? I'm curious because they stayed in the head when I removed it...

OR

B) Do you put the dowels in the head, put the headgasket onto the head; dowels holding it into place, and then lower it all onto the block?


Are the dowels the only thing that lines up the head and the block?
Should I be doing anything other then just fiting the dowels into the appropriate holes?

Thanks everyone!

 

Anyone... ?

 

i'm don't think it matters which way you do it. yes the dowells fit it into the head and the block. all that matters is that you have the head gasket lined up in the dowels and thehead sits flush with the block BEFORE your torque the head studs. make sure you torque them properly in the certain order.