1999 Eddie Bauer 5.0 check engine light flashing and smoking

[Bauer78]

I’m new to this forum hey guys how’s it going so I recently bought a 99 Eddie Bauer 5.0 and I was pulling my boat home Sunday with it and it randomly started flashing the check engine light and smoke was pouring out the back under acceleration. I haven’t ran the codes yet but although the smoke was white and it smelled like burning oil I can’t help but feel it’s not a head gasket. Just curious if anyone’s ever ran into a problem like this.

 

[8TZX]

When the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light starts blinking (as opposed to staying steadily illuminated), this means that a catalytic converter-damaging condition is occurring. Usually you will be able to feel a noticeable difference in the way your vehicle is running. When this Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light flashes, you should pull over safely and shut the vehicle off as soon as possible. Have the vehicle towed to your trusted repair facility for a diagnosis and repair. Continuing to drive this vehicle in this condition will do more damage and will cost more to repair. Many issues could cause the check engine light to flash, including fuel mixture issues, ignition system problems, and low compression issues. Most of the time, a flashing light engine is due to an engine misfire.
Check the codes!

 

[1998Exp]

I’m new to this forum hey guys how’s it going so I recently bought a 99 Eddie Bauer 5.0 and I was pulling my boat home Sunday with it and it randomly started flashing the check engine light and smoke was pouring out the back under acceleration. I haven’t ran the codes yet but although the smoke was white and it smelled like burning oil I can’t help but feel it’s not a head gasket. Just curious if anyone’s ever ran into a problem like this.

White smoke sounds like burning coolant, not oil to me. Most likely the coolant shorted a plug and the cylinder in which that happened was misfiring. Don't drive the vehicle in this condition, because you'll damage the catalytic converter. Your mechanic should be able to confirm this by identifying the misfiring cylinder and removing the plug.