If the gasket between the liner and the head is giving up, you would need to
find out which one is it.
I usually recut the head to make it new again to fit 100%.  I assume, the
liners are the same length exactly.  It can happen, that the head is not
tightened perfectly parallel evenly.  It can happen when one tries to do the
job having the engine in the car.  I think, checking the torques again after
a few hundred miles, is not a waste of time.  Although, if the job is done
real well, it is.  Changing the mechanic for one who is more Vanagon
specialized is not a mistake.  Guarantees are nice, as long as they don't
become a nuisance with all the lack of use of the car.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richards, Andrew" <Andrew.Richards@NIKE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:41 PM
Subject: head-aches

Hey All,

My '87 GL may have sprouted its third passenger side head gasket leak in
30K miles.  My mechanic replaced the heads with AMC's at 128K.  The
passenger side started leaking again at about 134K.  My mechanic
repaired it free of charge.  It now looks to be leaking again at 159K
miles.  Driver's side has been fine.  It's my understanding that I
should see at least 50K on a new set of heads/gaskets before any work is
needed.  Could there be something wrong with the mating surface on my
block?  Or do I need to find a new mechanic?

I've replaced the radiator, water pump, fan temp switch, and thermostat
all in the last three years.  Proper coolant used.  I've never
over-heated the van, but my needle does sit just above the light when
warmed up (been told this is fine by Go Westy and other sources).  What
seems to be a mix of oil and coolant is dripping from the block "nub"
towards the front of the vehicle.

Thanks,

Andrew

Portland, OR

'87 Vanagon GL, 159K

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