I have water leaking from between the head and block and the engine sounds like it is missing and is blowing blue smoke from the exhaust. This would have to be a leaking head gasket would it not. What causes a head gasket leak. Does it have to get overheated or freeze or can they just develope a leak over time.
head gaskets can fail just from age .you need to be careful when you shut down engine water pressure in rad can push antifreeze into cyl. if you go to start it you can lock up engine or do some other damage.not knowing history of engine when replacing gasket clean and inspect very carefully. sending the head out to be checked might not be a bad idea . i have done many without and had good luck , but i dont knows hours or history of machine .good luck