Hey guys. Redid the whole manifold replacing process with new gaskets, double checking everything, etc. Leaked again - under thermostat. Took everything apart, checked for cracks, breaks, anything. What I found was on the cynlinder head, in the two coolant crossover areas, that it looks like the metal has eroded/ground off wear the gasket would be. It's not around the entire hole, but in the corner. Not sure how much the picture helps.

Would this be causing the leaking?? Do I need a new cylinder head because of this??? Any help is appreciated at this point.

Thanks guys.