Why does my intake mani gasket keep blowing

[streetspirit7]

I've got a 97 240sx with a ka24de rebuilt. About 1000 miles after the rebuild my idle became rough; I eventually traced the problem down to my intake manifold gasket blown by the number 4 cylinder. So I replaced the gasket and all was good until about another 1000 miles. What would cause this to happen? I hate to just keep replacing the gasket every 1000 miles.

[jbracy7]

run a compression test

[AZhitman]

Intake gaskets don't "blow", they're not under any pressure. They leak.

How are you installing it? That will tell us a lot.

Either the head surface or the manifold surface is compromised. Warped, damaged, or otherwise.

[streetspirit7]

Well, last time I replaced it, I pulled the upper intake off with the engine still in the car, when I reinstalled it I used gasket sealant on the gasket. When I replace the gasket I'll inspect the surface.

[pella]

Should this be put back together using a cross bolt pattern to tighten?