Ford Repair: How serious is blown head gaskets?, blown head gaskets, auto repair shop

Question
I have a 1989 ford escort.  The water pump went out.  I took it to a shop.  To replace the water pump, timimg belt and a couple of seals it has cost me $480.00 total so far.  Today they called me and told me that I have blown head gaskets, and it would cost me another $1000.00 to get this done.  Could I have any other serious problems with this.  I really don't want to put any more money into this car.  I already owe this auto repair shop $480.00 dollars, for work already done. Is it worth it to go ahead and have the head gaskets done.  And what other problems will I or could I run into?    HELP!   Thank You

The engine in this car has 167000 miles.

Answer
Kathy-

  Just as I tell everyone, the question "is it worth it?" is always subjective.  But I can tell you what will happen if you don't get the gaskets fixed.  Eventually (actually, in rather short order), coolant will mix with your engine oil effectively destroying it's ability to lubricate the engine (this is easy to spot since oil turns a milky brownish color once contaminated with coolant).  If that doesn't lock the motor up then there's a possibility that coolant can get onto the connecting rods and eventually warp them.  One way or another, driving around with blown head gaskets will ruin an engine.  Is it worth it to fix?  That's up to you.  But if you plan on keeping the car longer than a month (at the most), you'll need to have them fixed.  Hope this helps.

Steve