[The Chief (tm)]

KHA,

I guess I'm glad -- if I'm reading and concluding correctly -- that the gasket failure did not create other, more catastrophic damage (heads, block, etc.), and hopefully will help hasten the repair and return of your ride.

Question: did the dealership mention a specific "name" for that chemical-wash procedure? I mean, sure, on paper I don't like the idea of a $300+ service every third "erl" change either, but I'm only putting on ~7,500 miles per year so as a preventative measure, I'd probs cough up the dough.

Do tell. And hang in there!