Nissan Repair: slow crank engine after overheated engine, head gasket replacement, valve job

Question
I have a problem  and the prob is, I was driving my 240sx it ran great it had a small knock but not the issue here. i noticed the smell of burning radiater i ignorned this thinking it wasnt my car. Then a second later smoke is coming from pass side of car under hood. I didnt want to leave the car on side of road cause i had a frind who is sick with 1 kidney so i drive my car for about  between 5 to 10 miles. The car did stall once at light it turned on then drive to next light the car would nt start withn key so i popped the clutch car turns on once more but the car makes this sound like if you add some marbles and shake em in a can. I hear that this detanation. I get the car home  i leave it alone for couple hrs. just cranks now i havent looked at the car yet

Answer
Hi Rocky -

I did not get the information on what kind of vehicle this is, however I suspect with all that driving overheated, you have blown the head gasket. With the engine cold, fill the radiator up to the top with water, then crank the engine. If you see the water spurting out of the radiator, then you will need to do a head gasket replacement on your car, possibly a valve job. A more accurate way to check the head gasket is to do a compression test, however you will need the right tools and equipment.

You will also have to find the reason why it overheated in the first place - broken hoses, cooling fan not working, stuck thermostat, leaking water pump could all be reasons.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin