1998 Ford Explorer

I recently had the o2 sensor replaced on my explorer. It has 82000 miles on it and the check engine light came on and it had to be replaced. While it was there, I did notice when I put it in reverse there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Just a little bit, and an antifreeze smell in the car. I told my mechanic and he said that I probably have a head gasket going bad. It does require that I put radiator fluid in the container every 2 or three days. Not much just up to the line. He said the job to replace the head gasket is expensive and not worth it. Seeing as how the job is expensive, would putting "steel seal" in it be ok? No I am not promoting the stuff just want to know if it works, or if anyone has any experience with it.

Hopefully it is a good enough fix to last us until we get to our next duty station.

I am as brain dead on fixing cars as they come.
Thanks so much in advance.

I have a 98 Explorer also with 92000 miles and if my head gasket were going I would definately have it fixed. Get some prices not just an "it's expensive". You decide whether it's worth it!

I have a 98 Explorer also with 92000 miles and if my head gasket were going I would definately have it fixed. Get some prices not just an "it's expensive". You decide whether it's worth it!


Thank you, I have received 2 quotes to have it fixed, both were in the 1000 dollar range. That is why I was asking about the steel seal. We are looking to get a new vehicle soon and was wondering if this was a cheap quick fix solution. I was just curious to the product to see if anyone had any opinions on it, or if they had used it. I am certainly glad you feel it is worth it for your vehicle, for us, we are looking at a newer vehicle and was just curious. I appreciate your help.

if the smell of antifreeze is in the vehicle check the floor board on the right side if wet look at the heare core

If your smelling antifreeze, and your exhaust smells "sweet" than more than likely you have a headgasket, or maybe a cracked head issue. If you are still going to use this vehicle to get toyour next duty station, than I would highly recommend getting it fixed, especially if thats the only problem you have with it! Being retire Navy, I know how they hate it when you arrive late to a new post! Besides, once you get it fixed, you'll have a good second vehicle, or something you can trade in or sell yourself. In its present state you wouldn't get much for it, and the trade in would be next to nothing.

Oh DON'T USE THAT CRAPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has a problem of clogging things up, besides your leak, and it makes it more dificult to fix the original problem. Use ONLY in EXTREME emergancy!!!!!