99 Windstar engine misfire and burning oil

[defiant79]

Ok, so I have a '99 Windstar with 147,100 miles on it. I've only owned the van for about 3 months and at this point wish I could take it back.

Check engine light was on when we got it. I read up on the valve cover issue as it was reporting lean on banks 1 and 2. We completed the valve cover fix and replaced all the bolts and seals.

Van ran fine for almost 2 months after that. About a month ago the check engine light came back on, and I didn't have it checked at first as I figured it may have been the DPFE error code that is common. Well about a week later the check engine light started flashing (misfire) and I decided to have the codes read. It was reporting a lean condition on bank 1 and a misfire on cylinder 6. Van was due for a tune up so everyone said to do that first before doing anything else. We changed the plug wires, plugs, and fuel filter. I also added a can of Berrymans B12 to the tank. There is no change in the van. I drove it to work one morning, after getting off of work I started it and the engine had a knock (never experienced this before). I drove it home as the oil was fine and everything looked good. When I got home the knock was gone, but I noticed it had a bit of blue smoke coming from the exhaust. A buddy came to check it out (he is a Honda mechanic) and when I started it the knock was back and it still had blue smoke coming from the exhaust.

I decided to take it to a ford dealer to get a diagnoses as I don't have time to chase my tail on this. They did a compression check on Cylinder 6 and told me it had a 50% loss of compression and that for them to take it apart and find whats wrong would cost me more than what it would be for a new motor. He said it was more than likely a cracked piston or cracked head. I'm no expert, but I don't think that this is a cracked piston or anything. I'm thinking of taking the lower intake off (replace the gasket and clean out the EGR ports REALLY GOOD) and I'm thinking of taking the cylinder head off and checking the valve to make sure one isn't bent.

Before embarking on this, I'd love to get some input into this as I may be overlooking something simple.

Thanks alot!

[derffred]

I feel for you
if you check my thread
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...88#post5727788
you will see that some of the same things is going on with my 98 except I do not have the blue smoke or the hard knock

[defiant79]

I'm going to run a can of SeaFoam through this thing tonight just to see if that does anything at all. If that doesn't work, then this weekend I'm going to take it apart.

Thanks again for all the suggestions in my previous threads, feel free to add anything to this if you like.

[pekko]

My Windstar is almost same problem. I found oil in throttle body and air intake. Knock is came something catalytic converter (not motor). Compression test is ok. Misfire on cylinder 6 and I fix it clear is spark plug in cylinder 2. Why my windstar burn in oil?

[12Ounce]

I agree with taking the intake apart. You may discover what the problem is by doing this. If you find it super-loaded with oil, there is a problem at the intake level ... you don't have to go anyfurther for "something to fix". Perhaps a bad PCV valve.

The short block in this engine is tough ... it takes a lot of abuse. Of course, if it is not the original engine ... or has been extensively overhauled ... who's to say?

[defiant79]

I ran the SeaFoam through this tonight, and after the smoke cleared, its not longer smoking out of the exhaust. I took a screwdriver and doubled checked my knock and it is most definitely something tapping the valve cover. Tomorrow (weather depending) I will take the valve cover off and check the springs, I looked at them before but I didn't get up close and personal with a flashlight on them.

How common is it for a pushrod to go bad on these? Is it possible for something to have come loose over time (maybe thats what has been wrong since I got it)?

[CnlK]

Others have reported that when the baffle in the upper intake is loose a knock is heard, still like your idea of pulling valve cover & inspecting springs
on #6.

[derffred]

Have you ever used Lucas oil treatment?
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=2&loc=show

sometimes it will cure some minor clicking in engines, I use it 1 litre with every oil change

[defiant79]

Originally Posted by derffred

Have you ever used Lucas oil treatment?
http://www.lucasoil.com/products/dis...tid=2&loc=show

sometimes it will cure some minor clicking in engines, I use it 1 litre with every oil change

I put something in for knocks and clicks (wasn't Lucas's stuff though), but that didn't seem to do anything. At the right RPM I would say this is more than just a minor clicking noise. I'm betting its a push rod (worst case maybe the crankshaft) or a spring (I hope).