I actually did that while I was cleaning the bolt threads, but with a tooth pick just so I dont damage anything around... But yeah there is absolutely nothing under the head bolts, it goes straight through to the block cooling system. Which makes me wonder if I should put something on the bolts so water doesnt go up them...
Yep - as I suspected like Scott wrote, but the manual seemed to indicate otherwise - you'll want to put sealant on the bolt threads. The only reason I have recently used the specialty sealant is because I have it; like Scott wrote, Permatex 2 will work fine... I've never had an issue using that either.
Glad you've gotten this far now and found the culprit. There's your problem!
That sucker is really blown.
The damage to the deck between #2 and #3 is quite suspect, but I have run worse. I hate to admit. If it were me, I'd probably coat the new head gasket with some spray on copper coat to give the fire ring a good chance of sealing adequately. Many people poo-poo the use of spray on copper coat on composite head gaskets, but I've never had an issue - and I've used it on countless heads, both air and water cooled motorcycle head gaskets and a few automotive aluminum head on iron block applications.
Congratulations!
Now, as they say, assemble in reverse order
(after checking things of course)
