Ford Repair: Not sure what the problem is, vacuum line, head gasket

Question
1997 Ford Explorer. 170K miles. Driving home there was a pop
and then a what sounds life exhaust leeking from the top of the
engine. I did not lose oil pressure or experience any increase in
engine temp, nor was there any smoke. My initial reaction is a
blown vacuum line or something with the manifold blew out.
The closest shop was a Ford dealer and a sales guy said "sounds
like a head gasket". What do you think?  

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
First off, don't listen to a sales man. He doesn't work on the vehicles, he only sells them. Next, if your engine starts, go ahead and start it and try to locate where the noise is coming from. Other than that, I would suggest that you bring it to a garage and have them look at it.
Hope this helps,
Erik