When I purchased my van (3 months ago) I had a front engine seal leak as described by the seller. Oil would leak onto the exhaust causing smoke.

I took it to a vw mechanic last month to have it replaced/repaired. Cost me $400.00 since the transmission had to be dropped to get to the seal/gasket.

Anyway today the same problem is back. It leaks again and is causing smoke when the oil hits the exhaust. Doesn't the seals last longer than a month? What could be the problem? Should I blame the mechanic?

I wrote an earlier post regarding rebuilt engines. 

I am now thinking that I really need to fix the other couple of seals that are leaking oil. Amount of oil is not siginifcant, nothing on the ground. No antifreeze leaks. Van starts up, runs smooth, strong, plenty of power, runs cool/no overheating. Engine has @163,000 miles.Would like to fix the leaks and keep the engine versus paying for a new rebuilt.

Any thoughts.  Thanks for feedback.

1984 westy 1.9 watercooled