Mitsubishi Repair: engine problems, head gasket, gasket repair

Question
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Followup To
Question - IF THE CRACK IS NOT SEVERE AT ALL IS THERE ANY QUIKE FIX YOU CAN RECOMEND OTHER THAN HAVING NEW HEAD GASKET INSTALLED. IVE HEARD OF A PRODUCT CALLED LIQUID GLASS IS THIS AN ALTERNATIVE. I DO UNDERSTAND I RUN A RISK OF SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE BY NOT REPLACING ENTIRE GASKET BUT WITH NO MONEY IN BANK I DONT HAVE A LOT OF OPTIONS. ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE VERY APPRECIATED. THNKS FOR YOU TIME.
I HAVE A 1999 MIT. MONTERO SPORT WITH AUTO V6.HERES MY QUESTION. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, TOOK TO SHOP, CODE WAS CYL. MISFIRE, MECHANIC SAID TUNE UP SHOULD FIX IT, AFTER TUNE UP FINISHED MECHANIC SAID WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAIL PIPE AND HEAD GASKET WAS CRACKED. IS IT WORTH PAYING 800.00 FOR GASKET REPAIR AND 400.00 FOR TUNE UP OR IS THIS VECHICLE GOING TO GET WORSE? HOW LONG CAN I GO WITH CRACKED GASKET?
Answer -
Mario,
A cracked head gasket can be very serious.  That white smoke is most likely coolant which is leaking into the combustion chamber, and burning off.  Depending on how severe the crack is and how much coolant is seeping past, your coolant level can go down quickly.  If you were to run out of coolant while driving, your engine would overheat and completely destroy your engine.  There's no telling how long the cracked head gasket may last.

If your Montero is in good condition other than the bad head gasket, it is still worth anywhere from $7000 - $12,000.  So, spending $1200 for a head gasket and tune-up may be worth it to you.  
Good luck!

Answer
Mario,
There are no quick fixes for a head gasket.  In fact, I've never heard of anyone attempting to fix a head gasket rather than buying a new head gasket.  The head gasket is under so much stress, heat, and pressure, I don't think there is a product on the market that can fix it.  The most expensive part is the labor involved in replacing the head gasket.  Also, even IF you could repair a head gasket, the mechanic would still have to charge you the full labor charge, plus additional labor cost in attempt to repair the gasket.  Most mechanics will not even attempt to repair a head gasket.

There's also a chance that your head gasket is fine, but your head or block is cracked.  None of that can be fully verified until the head is removed.  I would suggest saving up your money and have the head gasket replaced.  Also, call around to other mechanics in your area and ask for a price quote.  Odds are you will find a mechanic that can perform this job for less than $800.
Good luck!