[12Ounce]

Unless you have had a extreme high heat event, your head gasket may have failed ... the head bolts stretched a bit ... but I doubt the head is cracked. It sounds as though you are on the way to remove the heads ... and do a "top end", at least .... so you will want to find a shop that specialzes in cyl head repair ... they will reface/reseat/replace valves and guides as necessary as well as give the head a thorough inspection. I like Dover for this kind of work.

I have rebuilt my '99 and now have 110k + miles on the repair. I'm considering going through it again at 150k miles or so ... just to see what everything looks like and to get new gaskets and seals throughout. It still runs well but the gaskets and seals are beginning to age and harden.

I believe in running a car as long as repair parts are available ... or I'm just sick of it! So far the Winnie has been a good ride ... especially for vacations.

That particular hose quick-disconnect can be trying. You may want to stop in at a radiator shop and let them show you how .... or some old mechanic/geezer ... like me.