[cadillac512]

My recent 255 Merc build did the same. Intake gasket was from a "Best Gasket" full set and was a two layer paper construction. It tore at the holes you refer to and also separated and migrated inward at the rear,causing an oil leak there.
I fixed the problem by using a gasket like Mike Driskill at 3rd gen (35fordtn) sells...it has a metal center sandwiched in it and is far better construction. I highly recommend it.


Terry