Blown Head Gasket?!

[Steve Obert]

If the head gasket was blown most likely you would have coolant INSIDE the
cylinders ( at least 1 ).  If the coolant is in the engine compartment it is
most likely a hose problem, radiator etc.  As the coolant passages are near
the cylinders to keep them cool and the cylinder generates vacuum usually a
blown head gasket ends up causing coolant into the cylinders.

Symptoms of blown head gasket:
Coolant disappears without a trace.
Steam from exhaust.
One or more spark plug is pure white.
Possible loss of compression in 1 or more cylinders.

Test procedure:
1. Run a compression check and look for 1 or more low cylinders.
2. Pressurize coolant system with a coolant system tester. Let it sit for a
few hours.
Remove spark plugs and crank engine.  If coolant shoots from one of the
spark plug holes you have a blown head gasket. If you have a hose or other
external leak this should also show up with this test.