hello collective wisdom

I finally got all my bits for my head gasket replacement--that turned out to
be a head replacement as well. Anyway--I'm on the road to putting it all
back together. I'm doing this with the engine in the van--so will more than
likely leave the lower o-rings in place. I pulled the sleeves out as far as
i dare and they would still be a major pain to replace. so i've voted to
leave them. My question--are people using sealant on the upper o-rings or
just grease like the bentley recommends? or how about lower o-rings--any
sealant there? Also--on the metal ring--take it it doesnt mater which side
is up--is this true? And it looks like dirko (the black stuff) on both sides
of the head gasket is what people are doing. Lets see--cant think of much
more for now. Should have all my hoses replaced by tonight (the hard to get
at ones i'm doing as preventative main, right now since they are easy to
get) and might pick up some fuel line today and replace that since it might
be easier now with the intakes loose and out of the way.

any other suggestions would be great to hear about. Should have her rolling
soon.

>mike
87 syncro
66 kombi