Q: Blown head? 1996 Toyota Camry

Hi there - you can certainly have a blown head gasket without a lot of dramatics - at least initially. If the white smoke from the exhaust has a sweet smell to it, that’s a good indication that the head gasket is failing. Check compression on all cylinders, looking for a drop in pressure between 2 adjacent cylinders. There are also chemical tests to check for combustion gases in the coolant as another confirmation. For assistance with the diagnosis, I recommend a smoke from the exhaust inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.