340 block help

I bought a 71 340 engine last year that had the same thing done. I just removed them with a sharp pick and put new head gaskets on. Been fine for a year now, drive the car every day. The bummer was tearing it apart to do this because my machinist said it wouldn't hurt a thing and just put gaskets on with them. Didn't work! Put antifreeze in and it was hitting the ground as fast as I was pouring it 😂