While I was trying to put in the timing cover on the engine, the head gasket, which was new and never driven, bent out of shape at the right corner between the head and the block. Because of that, I am tempting to buy a replacement head gasket. While researching for the head gasket, I noticed there were two types of head gasket materials, graphite and MLS steel as shown in Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/26073942140...Bk9SR_66h8n6Yg

My question is it better to get a MLS head gasket or graphite? Any recommendations on what brand? Comments, advice, and/or feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks to all for reading this post.

 

MLS or factory toyota are the only way to go. I have never used an MLS gasket but I believe the block and head need to be surfaced specifically for one or the other. I've had great luck with oem toyota head gaskets. I've fixed alot of 22r/re's with failed aftermarket gaskets.

 

I use either Toyota (oem) or Ishino. I got an Ishino valve grind kit (top end) once and it seemed like most of the components were the same suppliers that Toyota used.

 

Get the Toyota gasket. Buy once cry once.

Make sure to inspect the Toyota gasket very carefully...both sides. The first one I got was made in Japan. It had a defect around one of the fire rings. The replacement Toyota gasket was made in Thailand, and it was perfect. Looked exactly like the one made in Japan less the defect.

My Toyota head gasket is been going for six years now. And no I did not re-torque the cylinder head bolts.

 

toyota addict, Jimkola, snippits, thanks for your posts. I appreciated it.

I checked the head gasket after loosen and removing the head. The head gasket is fine and no need to replace. Thanks to all for reading this post.

 

One thing you need to consider is the condition of the deck surface. 22R blocks seem to be very susceptible to deck pitting, particularly around coolant passages. If you have deck pitting, MLS is a no-go.

 

StorminMatt, thank you for your comments in your last post above. I appreciated it. I do not see any deck pitting.