Sandwiched between the head and the engine block.
A compression test. If you see white smoke from the exhaust that smells sweet, you have a blown head gasket or cracked head or both.
No. I went to the dealer and you have to buy the parts separately.
no
Sounds like the head gasket is gone
if you need instructions and diagrams, BUY A REPAIR MANUAL FOR 15 BUCKS
yes
the head gasket needs replaced.
That isn't likely. Most head gasket failures are caused by overheating. Not changing the oil will cause the motor to sludge up and increase the wear on the internal parts.
Yes
You pull the head off and change the head gasket. There is no treatment for a blow gasket, exept changing it. Its a pretty huge job I would suggest getting it at the garage and get a quote.
No you do not.... the valve cover only bolts to the head, and the head bolts to the block... True- these are two different jobs. When changing your valve cover gasket you may just want to ensure that your head bolts and lifters are still torqued down properly. Otherwise, DO NOT remove the head gasket if you simply want to change the valve cover gasket. when replacing the head gasket you should replace the valve cover gasket and may need to (depending on make & model) replace the egr gasket, intake mainifold gasket, and exhaust manifold gasket ...but not the other way around. If your replacing the head gasket ask your local auto shop if they carry a head gasket kit that includes everything necessary in one box...but if your just changing the valve cover gasket then just change that.