Is there any way to tell if the head gasket is blown without tearing apart the engine?

Answer 1

Yes, have a compression test run on the engine. Any good mechanic will be able through a few other tests, be able to determine if it is blown.

AnswerAlso, you can use a test kit the has chemicals which react to the presence of combustion byproducts in the cooling system. (Blue liquid turns yellow) Also, if you can smell the antifreeze "sweet" smell at back of the car when running, its a pretty good chance. If the steaming is accompanied by a miss or "dead" feeling cylinder, then that is a good sign too. High mileage would make me change head gaskets if I had any doubt at all.

....................The "test kit" referred to above is called a block test kit. It has a colored liquid that'll change color when it comes into contact with Exhaust fumes. You open the radiator cap and pump the tester with it stuck against the radiator inlet. But the best way to check is by compression testing the cylinders (through spark plug holes) with the cylinder being tested at TDC (Top dead center). Make sure the crankshaft pulley doesn't move when you fill the cylinder with air. If you have a bad head gasket, usually there will be 2 or more low readings right next to each other.