Cracked Head? What are the symptoms?

[UnityMember2]

What are the symptoms of having a cracked head and also what are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?
I had the air conditioner replaced on my 2000 Explorer in May 2005 and shortly afterwards there was a squeaking sound from the lower/back part of the engine. Also, upon starting the engine (kind of a rough start), it did not idle well; but after the engine ran a few seconds, that stopped. I had a complete tune-up done, new spark plugs, wires, etc. Only about 3 weeks afterward, the "kind of rough start" started again. I was then told by the mechanic that, that the problem was a leaking head gasket allowing coolant into the fourth cylinder. According to testing the shop performed, it was only the problem with the head gasket; no cracked head are anything like that. I was told, since this would be a rather expensive repair, just to wait until the problem got worse and then have it repaired. Well, after about 2000 miles, the engine light came on and the "rough start" symptom continued for a while. Now, the mechanic is telling me that the gasket needs to be replaced and the head is cracked. During this whole time, the engine has never overheated nor did the check engine light come on.

[bumpinkicker04]

I would pull the spark plug from the cylinder after the truvk has ran for a little while and see if you can smell burnt antifreeze. The smell is unmistakable. I would also take it to another mechanic and get them to do an inspection on it and see what they say. Don't tell them you have already been to another mechanic just give them the symptoms. Just for a second opinion.

[vicv]

You should also be smelling the coolant in the exhaust gas and a good amount of steam will come out the tailpipe even after warmup. Check the oil for water contamination, looks like a chocolate milkshake on the dipstick or in the pan. Check for oil in the coolant.