Chrysler Repair: oerheating/fast idle, head gasket leak, head bolts

Question
Hi,
I have a 83 aries 2.6l that has an very high idle and blow white smoke when it first starts. I topped the coolant up and have driven it around.  It starts fine runs reasonably well, but the heater pumps cold air, and when I popped the hood the coolant in the overflow resevoir was boiling. The radiator seem to be in reasonable condition and I can't find a hose leak.  Any ideas?  

Answer
Hi Graham,
I am sorry to conclude that it appears you have a head gasket leak. The white smoke, loss of heater, overheating, and bubbling in the overflow bottle all are symptomatic of that malady. If you have a torque wrench it might be worth a try at loosening the head bolts partially, then re-torqueing them to the spec as described in the manual, on the outside chance it could be due to a head bolt that is too loose and allowing for a leak*. Otherwise, you will have to remove the head and put in a new gasket, which is going to be costly, more than you might want to spend on a car of this age. How many miles and general condition of the car?
Roland
*I have on occasion solved a leak that way, so let me know if you want the spec for loosening and tightening the bolts.