Is it normal for a MLS head gasket to come apart when you remove the head?

[zzyzzx]

This is my second HG job, and the first one with a MLS style head gasket. I would think that lifting off the head wouldn't cause the layers to come apart like that, but it did. Is this normal? I suspect that this is not normal and probably the reason why this vehicle (2000 Camry) needs a new head gasket.

 

[JavierH19]

As far as I know the raised metal portions in a mls gasket is supposed to get compressed and make a better seal on the layers and since you pulled it off it could do that because the top and bottom stick. I don't know if that's OE or not but maybe use an OE toyota gasket. When it comes to headgaskets I don't like almost all aftermarket ones.

 

[Trav]

There is not much holding the layers together just a couple of very small rivets, if the layer that contact the head or block are stuck with the sealer then yes it can separate. Separation of the layers without full separation is normal.

 

[cptbarkey]

Sticking is normal. They are usually not re-usable anyway. You need to look deep at the gasket in between the cylinders, and between any oil or water jackets. Look at both sides for breaches. Its still like reading tea leaves, so its not a reliable way of knowing if the block itself is cracked, the head or blocked is warped, or you had a leak elsewhere.