Chrysler Repair: headgasket maybe, head gasket repair, head gasket leak

Question
i have a 1994 Chrysler New Yorker and about a month ago it over heated when I checked the overflow tank was out of water. We put in about a gallon of water and filled to the top. Car drove fine for awhile but would have to add about 1/2 gallon of water once a week or so. Then a couple weeks ago it over heated again. Again overflow was empty added more water and drove to get antifreeze. when I added the antifreeze a bunch bubbled back out at. Ended up adding about 1 1/2 gallons that day. Over the next week it drove well would just make sure to keep it full of water. Drove about 300 miles from home and on the way back over heated again. Added more water and again some bubbled out. Car would not start for a long period of time and when it did it was a very hard start, very rough idle and smoke surrounded the entire car and smelled like antifreeze. Shut it off had it towed and let set a few hours. It did start not as rough idle and no smoke. Any ideas as what it could be and how much it would cost to fix? Also as it is still 300 miles from home and I don't want to pay $2000 to have it towed home..is there a way i can temporarily fix it to drive it home?

Answer
Hi Peggy,
To check for a head gasket leak look at the oil and make sure it isn't cloudy/milky due to the intrusion of coolant. And the next time you start it watch for white smoke that smells like anti-freeze coming from the exhaust pipe. Those are the classic signs. If the oil is milky I would change that out after doing the 'repair' I suggest below.  
Unless you see a frank leak on the ground under the car (radiator/water pump/hose leak) the rate of loss is consistent with a head gasket. To get home, you might do well to get a dose of Bar's Leak head gasket repair compound at a nearby autoparts store. There are several different types and you would want one specifically for head gasket leaks. It is simply added to the overflow bottle when there is sufficient loss that you will be sure to get most of it into the cooling system and not just in the bottle. It is a reputable company so I beleive it would be a safe measure to try for a remedy.
Roland