1998 ford explorer suv -- catalytic converter?

[mark11]

DIDN'T THINK of that either. I;ll check it out.

Put in BLUE DEVIL head gasket and block sealer according to directions; ran the engine in place for 55 minutes...no overheating -- no leakage and wierdest of all?

The smoke from underneath, coming from CATY COV clamp area has stopped.

Running engine for 55 minutes was only in park; NOTt actual running on the highway.

This WKD: check oil, see if it's soupy; put in new THERMOSTAT and belts -- looking very worn.

May take off water pump and look it over as well as radiator and heater cores. I forgot that when previous engine hit 300,000 miles I didn't think of checking ay of these other support mechanisms. If THERMOStat WAS ####ED UP all this time? Was never getting true READING on temp gauge.

 

[Valas1969]

Well like I said keep a close eye on your oil. Check it every day just to make sure. Don't think it would be water pump or thermostat but couldn't hurt changing thermostat. It a head gasket or cracked block.

 

[mark11]

update jan 3

cHANGED thermostat...BOY WAS IT RUSTED. Stunned at what a THERMOSTAT looks like with over 300,000 miles on it.

Replaced the main belt too.

Drove 60 miles round trip on highway yesterday...no overheating. No leakage.

WATER-TEMP GUAGE stayed exact in middle.

No more WHITE SMOKE. aNYWHERE...EVEN NOT UNDER FROM CATALY CONVERTER.

took out SPARK PLUG from cylinder where water was before...plug is dry. OIL looks black as normal, will change it again today.

almost confirmed the disappearing ANTIFREEZE was going thru the defective heater core NEAR THE FIRE WALL...smelled it in FROM vents with defroster on other day. But...no wet spots on carpet under the vents.

I will BABY this engine like you mentioned. Check oil, water and antifreeze every day...knowing now my THERMOSTAT works and can; trust the water gauge much more now.

Still planning on replacing the head gasket or putting in an actual rebuilt and 1 year guaranteed engine in a few months.

But it's baby time now for next few months.

 

[Valas1969]

I'm not sure about explorers but I do know other cars have a drain hole or drain line that runs to outside of vehicle so if there is a heater core leak it doesn't end up on the floor of the car.

 

[mark11]

update again

yEAH...WAS TOLD THAT TOO BY A PARTS STORE employee yesterday.
I'll start a throoguh check of HEATRE CORE this afternoon...from CHILTON'S MANUAL and online photographs to what's in my engine well.