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they said the coolant is heavily contaminated with hydrocarbons meaning the cooling system is leaking into one of the combustion chambers
Actually it means just the opposite -- combustion products are leaking into the cooling system. Yes, head gasket problem.
Just remove the head, scrap both surfaces absolutely clean, double-check the head for flatness (they almost never require milling) and put a new gasket back on. See
Changing Head Gasket.
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it's time to pull the head and figure out what the probem really is. I sure hope it's jsut the gasket!!
It will be easier to tell when the engine is still together. Do a compression check, but more importantly a cooling system pressure test. While the cooling system is pumped up to 14 lbs, listen for the leak and pinpoint its location. Put a hose to your ear and move the other end into the valve cover, into the intake and exhaust. Also check out the intake manifold cooling passages i.e. coolant goes through the intake gasket (and so does hydrocarbons).
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So by the way, anyone know of a good electric fan swap and/or radiator upgrade?
The most reliable system by far is the stock fan. If it fails, the charge lamp on the dash lights. If you don't have the fan shroud, get one off the wreckers. This system cools better than most electric fans.
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never want to have an overheating problem again
Sorry to say this is a pipe dream. The best advice may be: don't let the coolant level drop ... and keep your eye on the temp gauge just as you frequently check the rear-view mirro. if the temperature rises unexpectedly, pull over before it overheats (boils over).
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