We got the parts to fix the water pump which was leaking and we got a timing belt. But the last time we drove it, it over heated and the car stopped leaking. the coolant sysyem stayed full. Is this a sign of the head gasket? We know its about time for it to go in our 96 2.4. How can you tell when the head gasket goes? Thanks.

 

depending on how bad the HG blew it will show some or all of the following things. you will have oil in the coolant. you will have coolant in the oil. the exhaust will smell like coolant. your coolant tank will overflow when the car is cold. the car will overheat in less than 1-3min after starting when cold.
tried to put them in most to least common order. if you can swing it, have the compression tested. ask for the cyldr's to be pumped up with air. they should be able to hear air going into the coolant or oil sys. hope it helps, good luck.

p.s. try pulling a pulg and use a rag or q-tip on the end of some mech fingers to see if you got coolant in the cyldr's.