I've never installed recirc pumps / cross overs without finger painting silicone (I use ultra black because I'm a junky ) on both sides of gasket.

No warpage is good.

that flange is pretty thin...looks like 1\8 inch ............yes goop on the black stuff

sb,ditch the ultra black and try the right stuff,you will be amazed at how much stronger it is.

I know people love it. And thus I wouldn't advise against it. I'm just an ultra black addict and there are no organizations I can join to stop my addiction.

Once you go Ultra blk, you neva go back..................lol

Thanks fellas. I have ultra black. Ive heard good things about the right stuff too

You could also lay a piece of sandpaper on a table and take some of the curve out of the 2 flanges.

I hone small flanges, exhaust risers by hand with a Norton combination stone (2"x6/8") until flat...a bit of WD40 or solvent as lubricant..brush on sealer for water joints... Looks like the goop will work...!

What was wrong with the engine anyway? That was a quick recovery!

Heads were not flat. Said he took .008 off which doesnt seem like much to me. He said it appeared all 8 cylinders were leaking from the get go but #5 gave up fight mostly. He swears he double checked head gasket #'s too

ill be nervous boating for awhile now. It will not be pretty if i have to pull this thing out again

in his defense he was very apologetic and im only out my time and a few odds/ends so could be worse. i just wanna do more boating and less wrenching.

Sounds like builder stood behind his work which is not that common today. Good luck and let us know how you make out.