Isuzu Repair: 1988 Isuzu Trooper 4x4, head gasket, head gaskets

Question
I am getting no compression since replacing the head gasket. I have taken it apart and checked to see that gasket is installed correctly, but still no compression.

Answer
Well Jon. If you have no compression that means something is not installed correctly. Head gaskets must be installed an exact certain way. If the block has been machined, you have to buy a gasket to match that process. Also these probably take torquq-to yield bolts. Meaning these bolts can only be used once, because they actually expand and contract with the block. As well as a head gasket really needs to only be torqued down once, after that your just scrunching it down further and further. I would recommend taking it to a certified mechanic and having it checked. It sounds like you have a valve-train problem or something that is causing little or no compression. These engines are very difficult to rebuild. I have seen mechanics rebuild a block on these, and a week later it blows up due to something as small as a piece of sand locked up the main bearing.