Personally I like graphite seals better. When I put them in I use a rolling pin on both block and caps, to pass them in. If something works for you and never had a issue then I don’t change it. I’m guessing it just wasn’t packed in well enough. Just be sure to fill in those little holes in block and if any in the main cap with high heat silicone. Kind of same stuffed guys use on headers, Well there actually not holes be divets
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