Volvo: 240DL Overheated - Head Gasket ????, blown head gasket, volvo wagon

Question
Hi Ray,

My son's 240DL Volvo wagon was loosing coolant somewhere.  I checked the exhaust to see if perhaps it had a white smoke (like a blown head gasket) but there was no smoke.  I changed out the water pump because I noticed that coolant was leaking from the small tube that goes to the rear of the engine.  Took the car out for a long drive and about 1 hour later, the car started to lose power.  I pulled off the road and the car died.  I popped the hood to find that the radiator was bone dry.  To make a long story short, after letting it cool down, tried to start the car but it would not start.  It cranks but does not start.  I did a compression test and the press. readings were low ~75 psi on all 4 cylinders.  My understanding is that a compression test should be done on a warmed up car.  My son's car does not start so I am not sure if the readings are valid.  I think I blew the head gasket and think if I replace it that the engine will start.  Car has over 200,000 miles and aside from this mishap was running fine.  Any advise.  Any suggestions on what to try next. Please help? Thanks

Answer
Frank,
Compression is low but on all four! Usually you blow a head gasket and one or two cyl are low. Pull the plugs and see if there is coolant on any of them. Do a cylinder leakage test and see where the compression is going. Try a radiator pressure test to see if there is a leak you can verify.