Abstract: A reciprocating engine includes a cylinder head, a cylinder liner, an outer seal, and an inner seal. The cylinder liner has a flange proximate to the cylinder head, where the cylinder liner extends circumferentially around a combustion chamber, and the cylinder head defines an end of the combustion chamber. The outer seal is disposed between the flange of the cylinder liner and the cylinder head, where the outer seal is configured to transfer an axial compressive load between the cylinder head and the cylinder liner. The inner seal is disposed between the cylinder liner and the cylinder head proximate to the combustion chamber. The inner seal is configured to isolate an inner face of the outer seal from the combustion chamber. A first compressive strength of the outer seal is greater than a second compressive strength of the inner seal.