Be smart, have an experienced mechanic do the repair, you will save money in the long run, really.
Forget about foam.
If you overheated the engine, an aluminium cylinder head could be warped, causing the head gasket to leak. There is more to this than simply changing the gasket. If you're not an experienced mechanic, you may cause more trouble.
Mechanic in a can isn't going to fix a head gasket.
Now it might be possible to do it yourself, depending on your diy skillz and having the tools you need. If you don't have basic mechanics tools, then just pay someone to do it.
If you are still determined, then start with this
http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/store...
It will have the step by step instructions to dismantle the engine AND get it back together again with some chance of it working again.
Take it to a good shop. If you had to ask your question, you shouldn't be doing the repair.
No you need to replace that you only have a few kilometres until it ruins engine parts. Go to a mechanic.
any cheap fix would be comparing using a bandaid to hold on a severed limb fix it right or junk it you'll only make it worse
Well my head gasket has blown on my Vauxhall astra van and wanted to know apart from taking it a garage is there anything else i could do.
I have been told that there is a foam or some kind of liquid that helps to seal it that you can buy but not sure. While it may be a temporary fix if it works ill take it.
If not i was considering buying all the parts and doing it myself as the cost is playing a big factor in the repair.
Any advice is welcome thanks.
