[ma24qtz]

I have a 98 Ford Windstar with 153000 miles on it. This morning on the way to take the kids to school, the car started running a bit rough and the Service
Engine soon light started flashing. Well I parked, took them and came out to start the van and had a cloud of white smoke come out the tail pipe. I never had this happen so I shut it off and waited a few minutes (then called my dad.lol) He said to check the coolant and oil levels, fill it and see if I could make it home. The coolant was brown in the reserve tank (about 3/4 full) and the oil was brown not milky and full also. I restarted the car and drove the 4 miles home. The Engine light was on but not flashing and the car ran a bit rough on the way home. My dad came down, drove the car around said it ran fine and no light. He let it cool down and then test drove it again. Said it did run a bit rough after the car warmed up but no check engine light or smoke.

He think I have a blown head gasket or cracked head. Does this sound right? He said he parts were around $400 and it might be better to get a rebuilt engine in there instead as he can get one for around $700.

Thanks for your help