[herefordman]

I would wonder about the head gasket diagnosis, get someone you know to do a compression test, and a radiator pressure test, that should help.
Also the head gasket, doesn't require the purchase of a new head, gaskets are cheap but it is a fair amount of labor, and things like the timing belt should be done while your in there as well, it will just save you from more aggrivation later on.How many miles on this beast ?