This is headgasket replacement 101.  You MUST repair the pits in the
case sealing surface before you put on the new head gasket.  I use JB
Weld.  Clean the pitted area with brake cleaner and some sand paper.
Fill in the pits with JB Weld and let it cure overnight. The next day
sand it smooth and back down to the same level as the aluminum case.
While you are at it, feel around on the case lip (where the headgasket
sits) and see if you feel any sharp spots.  Sand these a little to
smooth them out.  This should fix your problem.  (need me to send
another gasket?)

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
http://www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242

----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Vermillion <markvermillion@EARTHLINK.NET>
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2003 4:23 pm
Subject: repeatedly blowing head gasket

> All-
>
> I have a 87' GL that has a recurrent problem with the pass. side
> head gasket. Problem is, it won't stay intact. I just replaced it
> for the fourth time, and got approximately 5 miles out of it. This
> is the "short" record. The previous gasket went 5k miles. The one
> before that was good for 500. I don't remeber how far the first
> went.
>
> The gaskets are splitting from what would appear to be the back,
> or water jacket side. They happen on the same corner each time:
> lower rear. There is some pitting on the water jacket in this
> area, but it not the only area with pits. I tried putting a little
> sealant to fill the pits... maybe that wasn't such a good idea.
>
> Anyway, any advice or comments would be appreciated. I'm about
> ready to push the thing into the Susquehanna.
>
>
> Mark
>