Metal head gasket question

I've never used a head gasket like this before and I'm pretty sure the previous owner got it off of Amazon. The story is, I put it on my 22r and I'm getting bad compression. Valves passed a hydro-test (but I only had gas on there for about 15 minutes), valves are adjusted correctly, head torqued in sequence.

The light grey portions are thin metal sheets (shiny metal). My question is two-fold:

1) does this gasket require any sealant? (if so, recommend one please)

2) is this type of gasket any good?

Compression is 150-120-90-50.

I have a build log going on the subject that delves into a bit more detail.

Thanks everyone!

Is it a three piece gasket (MLS= Multi Layer Steel)?

(I'm going off of memory here, as it's in the truck at the moment)

I would say there is more than one layer, very possibly three. Steel certainly.

There is the steel that seems to fold over the gasket material, the o-rings around the cylinders, and the majority material that I refer to as "gasket material"

(hope that's helpful, sorry)

Just read an advertisement showing a picture of the gasket I think exactly like the one installed and it refers to it as "graphite". so probably not MLS.

Note that if it is MLS, then the block and head need a better level of surface prep than is the norm for fiber/composite/etc head gaskets.

I've been doing more research, I'm almost positive it's a graphite gasket. It matches the pictures almost perfectly.

Did you say in the other thread that you reused it? I'm not sure this type of gasket is reusable.

It was installed and torqued, but never ran, then removed.

Thoughts?

I'd get a new one, as I thought the original crush of the gasket was important.

However, I doubt its your main cause of compression loss.

Dig it. I'm told OEM is the way to go anyways. I'll get the compression licked and drop in a new one before I button her up.

Thanks

Hungary Bill wrote: It was installed and torqued, but never ran, then removed. Thoughts?

Dude!

Head gaskets are like condoms. One use only. Just because a stranger threw it on but never busted in it doesn't mean it is ready for you to dust off, turn inside out and retry.

Also. Run a leakdown test. That will tell you where your compression is getting past.

Jumper K. Balls wrote: Dude! Head gaskets are like condoms. One use only. Just because a stranger threw it on but never busted in it doesn't mean it is ready for you to dust off and try.

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