Head gasket timer

Do all MGFs have a built in timer on the life of the head gasket? Car just coming up to 49k (1997 model 1.8K series) and yesterday expansion tank boiled over and when cap released water drained away to reveal the dreaded cream sludge in the bottom of the tank.Well this also will explain where the constant water loss has been for the last couple of months that I couldn't find.

Anyone any idea of the price to fix and any mobile mechanics in South Lincolnshire that you can recommend?

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