The surface that the head gasket sits on on the block can have major pits in it.  Whenever I do a head gasket repair I always fix these pits with JB Weld and sand the surface back to smooth in order to avoid any leaks caused by pits in the case.  I had one head gasket repair fail because I failed to address a large pit in the case back when I was first starting out.  I did that repair for free but I learned my lesson and ever since then I have had no problems.

Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

-------------- Original message --------------
From: "Richards, Andrew" <Andrew.Richards@NIKE.COM>

> 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
>
>