Need Help with Engine-Mechanic???

I know this is the GC forum and my question is about a ford, but I was hoping to get a quick answer b/c my girlfriend is stranded. My girlfriend has a 97 Taruas that is experinecing some cooling problems. The coolant is bubbling out of the resvoir tank. We have already had the system pressure tested with out any results. We have replaced the thermostat and it is still bubbling over. The oil has no signs of water in the oil. However, I am starting to think it might be the head gasket. Does this problem sound like a head gasket or should we get the waterpump looked at first. How much $ would it cost to get the head gasket fixed?

Does it boil over sitting at a stop or while moving?

These have variable speed fans and the controller might be bad...do the fans come on and change speed as it gets hotter?

You say you had it pressure tested "without any results"...does that mean that the cap and the system held pressure?

There is a dye test to check for combustion gases in the cooling system. Most shops can perform this test for you and it will tell you if you have a problem like a head gasket...it won't tell you specifically a gasket leak though, there are other places combustion pressure can get into the cooling system, but it can fairly reliably rule out those possibilities.

Also, check the radiator for blockage...use a pirometer to check the temperature all across the radiator. If you get a sudden "cool" spot, that may indicate blockage.

There are a lot of possible causes for overheating. Are you having any other symptoms such as rough idle, lack of power, oders, excessive moisture coming out of the exhaust...