Blown Head gasket?

[dmardahl]

I have a elderly neighbor who has offered to give me her 96 explorer. Of course this just two weeks after I bought a 94. Anyway she says the truck has a blown head gasket (which I want no part of) but other than the report from a mechanic I can't find any symptons.

Oil is clean
Water/Antifreeze is clean
Doesn't overheat
No white Steam from exhaust
No antifreeze smell thru heater vents or exhaust

I have the feeling that the repair shop was just trying to rip off an old (93) lady but she wasn't havin any.
Otherwise the truck is in pristine condition 77K, Brand new michelins etc.

Anything else I should check out?

 

[Masterd]

Compression test it.

 

[Texan01]

Compression test/read the plugs.

I've had them blow on mine twice. First time it developed an external leak, the 2nd time it started filling a cylinder and attempt to hydrolock it. The plug for that cylinder had some greenish tint to it.

Head gaskets on the OHV is actually pretty easy, it looks tough but you can do it in a day or spread it out over 2 days.