I've never had oil/coolant mixing when I have had bad HGs in my '85. Has always been exhaust gas pushing into the cooling system, over pressuring it and blowing the coolant out the overflow. A pressure test will show the pressure rising with the engine revs, or a chemical test can be used:
- http://arrowheadradiator.com/head_gasket_or_combustion_leak_test.htm

Easy enough to change the HG w/ engine in place:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/EngineMods/index.shtml#CylinderHead

Same here.

Ok cranking and starting without the cap on resulted in no spillage. Coolant level was right at the top when I did this too... so that's good.

Gonna check out the VFM now.

Any ideas why setting valve lash properly would make me lose my idle? The clearances were too tight before I set them correctly.

It should be noted that this thing ran awesome off idle - good power and the temp needle rock solid about a third of the way up the guage. Didn't seem to be consuming coolant either.

me = stupid!

Popped out the front half-moon seal when I took off the valve cover and didn't realize it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> She idles now!

So valve lash smoothed the idle out more. Now, when I get off the gas, as after revving the engine, the rpm's are low and slowly build, over like 15-20 seconds to a steady, fairly smooth idle. Doesn't drop back down low like it used to every 20secs or so, just starts low and goes up.

Checked VFM and it passes all tests.

Sounds sorta like a vacuum leak. Gonna replace all the hoses and see where that puts me. PCV and Breather hoses look like crap. I'm thinking hose clamps instead of those dumb pinch thingeys. Maybe I'll do all the gaskets on the intake side as well, just for good measure.