Head Repair Questions

So yea one more question. I just got my heads back from the machine shop and now that their clean i have a few questions. Question One: how do you know which head goes on which side? they seem identical (Maybe they are?) Question two: The gasket seems to cover some of the front cooling passages (See Pictures) Is this normal? Thanks ahead!

PS
1986 Ford F150 302

The best advice that I can give you is to see if the gaskets have the word "UP" on them. Put them on facing up and you should be fine. Other than that look at the block for familar gasket markings from the old ones.

The heads will bolt up on either side, just make sure you have the threaded holes at the front for any brackets and acessories, (alternator), Ac or whatever came off the front.

Hope this helps.

SBF heads are identical and interchangable. Sometimes there are different holes tapped on the ends of the heads, so make sure that you're putting them on with the right holes forward for the accessories.

No worries on the gasket covering the holes. Not sure why they do it, but I just put head gaskets on a Buick 3.8 last week and two of the holes were covered by the new gasket.

SBF heads are identical and interchangable. Sometimes there are different holes tapped on the ends of the heads, so make sure that you're putting them on with the right holes forward for the accessories.


The SBF head castings are identical, but the way they are drilled and tapped, they are definitely not interchangeable.
As I recall for 5.0 engines of that vintage, the EGR tube ports should be at the back of the head, and all the accessory bolt holes should be at the front.

As for the head gaskets, reputable gasket suppliers should include an instruction sheet if the gaskets need any unusual orientation. Also your service manual (you are using one, right) may give some suggestions.