Exhaust manifold gaskets and pitting on surface help

[2001LC]

I elected to not use any gasket maker. Based on experience shared here, it not necessary.

I've also been speaking to a few shop around town that used some various high heat over the counter gasket maker products. They had very limited success and most failed rapidly due to heat. They also point out the pressure is not that high in exhaust port and minor pitting is not going to be and issue.

I had considered using very sparingly, filling then scraping flush to head. But then I learned products life is only 7 years under ideal conditions. Also that gasoline will reduce that life. So 7 year or less product is nothing I'd use.

Also Julians point, gasket is design to be used without any sealant.

 

[MACKSDAD]

Been seeing conflicting info here. Does the black side of the gasket with the raised grooves for each cylinder go toward the engine ? Or the shiny side with the recessed grooves

toward the engine? I also noticed my old gasket has 2 “points” (bottom gasket is old one) where as my new one only has the “point” on the top right corner.

 

[frawstme]

Been seeing conflicting info here. Does the black side of the gasket with the raised grooves for each cylinder go toward the engine ? Or the shiny side with the recessed grooves View attachment 4169458toward the engine? I also noticed my old gasket has 2 “points” (bottom gasket is old one) where as my new one only has the “point” on the top right corner. View attachment 4169456

they're supposed to have a marking on them, the FSM tells you which side faces out based on that marking. I can find it for you later this evening but only have a moment to comment now

 

[TahoeZ]

The white painted mark faces the manifold.

 

[MACKSDAD]

Just bought these from Toyota this week. No white paint marking on it, no in or out symbols . I did stainless side to the engine and black side to the manifold . Sounds good so I think that’s the way to go.