Indy once told me a slipped liner presents just like a failed head gasket - my engine is a little "tappy" and uses a little coolant but the needle stays very firmly at 12 oclock and I have done two or three block tests over the years which have been negative.

Get that UV dye and drop it in the coolant. Give it a few days and then shine a UV torch (eBay is your friend there) on the dipstick. If it shines then more than likely the head gasket is going and that might be the tick / chuff.
 
Seriously think very carefully about stripping anything. Cracked block is the classic issue usually on the back 2 cylinders after overheating. Symptoms? Initially minor coolant loss the same as every other v8 issue! These run hot when there fine. Live with it for a while poke at it and fiddle. £1600 for a short motor plus £500 for hg plus x plus y. Plus 50 hours graft etc etc. Huge commitment on a £600 vehicle. Limit your spend in other words don't become trapped!
Jb

Plenty of head gaskets seem to go around 120k miles. Don't see so many cracked blocks unless the cooling system has been abused.
 

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