stinking water neck driving me crazy

ok, heres the latest
i returned the autozone part and bought one from advance auto (sorry no O'rusty's nearby)
blocked it with sandpaper and wood, also did the intake side

then i grabbed some right stuff, put a little on each side of the gasket and installed her
(i had checked the bolts last time, they snugged up without a gasket or washers, so i know they arent too long)

about 10 minutes later i filled her up and heat cycled her, so far, so good