There are test kits available from your local auto parts store that use a small sample of the coolant to check for "products of combustion" in the coolant. Combustion gasses in the coolant, if present, are indicative of a blown head gasket/cracked head.

Both are expensive fixes, sad to say.

 

Alright, well... fingers crossed. It'll be some time before I can get a good look. Thanks for all of the help everyone, and I'm sorry about hijacking OP's thread here...

 

You just tacked onto it, so no worries.

Just let us know how you make out and what you find.

 

Word of caution here. If you continue to drive it and run it hot again, there is always that chance of destroying the engine. Best bet is to have it checked out ASAP to determine the problem.

 

Oh, that shouldn't be an issue at the present time. I don't need to drive anywhere until my little trek of ~1 hour and 45 minutes of highway driving in about two weeks. I'll be sure to bring along some water and coolant, if things go downhill again...