DKA, yeah, that last 1/4 turn is really scary.
By the way, did you get the head resurfaced?
I have this obvious theory about why the 103 gaskets begin leaking oil and water at the corners: the head is aluminum and the block is iron. So, when that long head heats, it slides along the gasket at a different expansion rate than the block. If the head is really smooth, it doesn't abrade the gasket as quickly. My original gasket weeped oil at the right front, and water at the right rear. Upon removal it was obvious why, the gasket had just been chewed up on those outer corners. I had the head really smoothed, and so far so good (10 years) on the rebuild.

DG