Blown Head Gasket?

[Joes4x4Ranger]

I'm pretty sure my diagnosis is right but I want a little more input. My 91' has had a poor Idle issue since I got it last summer. Always kind of "Lopey", "Rolling"
idle. It has never smoked.

Well this mourning things got MUCH worse. Its idling like one cly is is dead. Lots of bubbles in the coolant overflow, engine temp is higher than normal, and white smoke out the tail pipe. Tail pipe is also dripping a slight amount of water.

Seems to me I have a blown head gasket. The truck odometer says 98K I have a very good suspicion the ACTUAL mileage is 198K.

Here is what's odd. I pulled all the plugs, all look good, just slightly white like its a little lean. No water in the oil. The smoke has a funny smell like a real rich air/fuel mix, not "sweet" like antifreeze. No black residue in overflow tank, but it has a slight "Fuel" smell. What do ya think?:roll:

 

[yellowcat]

I would start with a compression test. Then if that is okay, do a blow bytest. Is there oil in the water? If that motor does have 200,000 miles then it is time for a rebuild. The motor most likely would not survive a head gasket.
If I was in your shoes I would buy this copper looking liquid at auto zone. It held my car together for 3 months after a blown head gasket. Follow the directions but you have to throughly flush all the anti frezze out and put in water. Then after you run the stuff through you need to take out the plugs.
Let me know if it turns into a parts truck, I live in New Mexico

 

[troy11556]

test compression at that milage the engine is probally pretty worn, but as far as a rebuild i have 250,000 on mine and the engine is as strong as a new one, the compression is not low and right at the norm with very little different compression between cylinder's, the only thing i had to do major is get a rebuilt tranny. and that happened to me at 200,000. so it depends i guess on how it was driven. check the compression. white smoke is not very good though.

 

[pankodog]

Good luck

Follow the previous reply information on checking your engine. This is a common issue on this motor. If you pull your heads BE SURE TO HAVE THEM MAGNAFLUXED to check for cracks or you may be right back where you started! If you find that their bad, Ideal Heads has new ones for $217.00 with no core charge.

 

[Joes4x4Ranger]

Thanks guys I'll be puttin a reman in it.

 

[wolstrading]

I am new to this guys and I need help with my 2005 explorer. I changed the water pump because it was leaking and after that, the oil turned to a milky sticky substance. I don't know what to do but I think the head gasket is out..what should I do?

 

[wolstrading]

how do I replace head gasket in a 2005 ford explorer?

 

[freeballer]

wolf, do not start the motor, milky white. Maybe more of a job for a pro. Is it correct your truck is a 2005. Did it get hot? The water new pump may have pushed the gasket over the edge.

 

[wolstrading]

The head Gasket is fried out. I am working on it right now. Yes it is a 2005 xlt.