valve cover gasket IS NOT going to cause loss in comp...
It will cause oil to be above the threads of the s.p. though...
Are you SURE you have the throttle open ALL THE WAY when you're testing this???
Also I would STRONGLY suggest pulling the fuse for the FUEL system as well as the ignition... no need to be soaking the cylinder walls with gas...
Those numbers are so bad I'm gunna assume you are doing something VERY wrong... even with NO rings it should be putting out better numbers than that... they're usually around 180-210.
Are you tightening the comp. tester in GOOD and tight? cuz it may just be allowing pressure to pass by it...
Also are you SURE you are cranking it for long enough? the needle will bounce and hold progressively more and more each crank.
I've NEVER heard of doing it with the engine hot though... it's an aluminum head and it could be easily damaged...
I've heard of driving it first to ensure a good battery charge but I wouldn't want to get the head hot then pull the plugs... Could be wrong though...
Also you may want to get a leak-down tester too... because that way you can try to force some pressure in there and see how quick it comes out or if you can even get any in there....
good luck.
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