Land Rover Repair: Overheating, head gasket, last winter

Question
I bought a 1992 Classic last winter with 98,000 miles on it. Overheated in the spring when I turned the air on. Flushed the radiator and that seemed to be the root cause of the problem, only I think a head gasket may have been compromised. Now I'm blowing steam from the exhaust, but there is no water in the oil. If I have used heads resurfaced, how can I make sure that the block is not damaged without taking it out of the vehicle? The lower end seems like it's fine, but I don't trust the aluminum. Do you think I may have gotten lucky and just blew the head gasket, or what are the chances that the block is damaged? This is my first Rover, and I love it, but it's getting a bit pricey; any help or suggestions you may have will be GREATLY appreciated.  Thanks, Mark Olmstead

Answer
Unfortunately, the only way to find out if the block is damaged will be to do the heads.  I have written several articles on this subject, you can find them on my website and the Robison Service blog.  There is no way to test the block while it is assembled and in the vehicle.  So you just have to take a chance, or give up without ever knowing.  I know that's not what you hoped to hear, but thats the reality