>
>
> Note: the "not so long ago" new exp. tank was full of a "jelly brown
> like"
> stuff... oil i guess...
>
No way around the fact that the head needs to come off to find out
whether it's cracked, or a gasket, or both.

The goop could be from a failed oil-to-water cooler, but nobody is
really that lucky.

Tomorrow morning start the car cold for 30 seconds, then shut it off
and remove the coolant tank cap, If it burps, it's a head leak
confirmed.

All could have been caused by a bad thermostat, so replace that no
matter what.

Jim