>
>>> I tend to think the leaks happen first, and the pitting is caused by
>>> the
>>> leaking coolant. It doesn't make sense to me otherwise -- how can the
>>> coolant pit a surface it doesn't touch?
>>
>> Makes sense, but still doesn't answer why the leaks start in the first
>> place. Maybe it's a design fault, but you'd think it would be well
>> documented by now.
>
> Yup, the gaskets harden with age and start to leak.  They live a hard
> life, dealing with pressure, wide temperature swings, and expanding and
> contracting metal.
>
> So... would it be wise to profalactically replace the gaskets to
> prevent head corrosion. if so at what frequency?