Ford Repair: Ford Taurus Problem, head gasket replacement, ford taurus

Question
Hello, I recently had a problem with my 98 Ford Taurus.  It overheated one day and almost stopped on the side of the road.  Anyway, a shop said it blew a Head Gasket and they replaced it for $700.  I got the vehicle back and it ran real rough.  Took  it back, they said it is only running on 5 cylinders and needs a rebuild.  My question, shouldn't they have done a compression check before to verify the cylinder problem?  Now the Head Gasket replacement is wasted and I have to pay additionally?  What to do?

Answer
Steve-

  Yes, I would always do a compression test and leakdown test before deciding an engine needed a rebuild.  The problem could be a result of damage caused when the gasket blew, in which case an engine replacement would be an option...but it may also be something completely unrelated.  I would have another shop take a look at it.  If it was running poorly as soon as you got it back the original shop may have overlooked something in the installation of the gasket.  Hope this helps.

Steve