Ford Repair: Ford EscortLX 1995 1.9 engine/auto/sedan, head gasket replacement, radiator cap

Question
Engine burns the anti freeze/coolant almost as fast as I can pore it in the radiator. It seems to run OK. The Haynes repair book recomends compression check but I think I would just fill the compresion tester with anti freeze! The engine smokes very white thick and I can see the green anti freeze on the ground by the exhaust pipe. It has 144k. Has been dependable transportation.
How can I evaluate parts that need to be replaced?

Or Is it a lost cause?

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
 It really sounds like the head gasket is blown.  What I would suggest you do is remove ALL spark plugs. Also, remove radiator cap. Then Apply only 5-7 PSI of compressed air to each cylinder, seperately. If you have air coming out of the radiator, you need a head gasket. If you have air leaking to another cylinder beside the one that is getting air applied to it, you need a head gasket. Use this link for head gasket replacement:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1...

Hope this helps,
Erik