87 ranger white smoke

[redhoss]

I this truck was sitting for almost a year and I had to replace the fuel pump to get it running. After I got it running it was missing alot and one of the lifters was hitting. So I checked the oil it was black, so before I changed it I put some mystery oil in the oil and gas. Then I ran it for awhile it ran desent. The lifter noise went away but it was sill missing. I changed the oil, and started it up. The lifter started making noise and it still was missing. When it let it idle it idles around 2 then drops to little below 1. Now when I put it in gear it whats to stalls its a automatic transmission. Also when it idles it doesn't smoke but when you start driving it ,it starts smoking white smoke. I'm not sure what it is at first I thought that it may be a blown head gasket, but I'm not losing water. I also think it may be bad gas from where it had been sitting. ANYBODY HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS.

[Psychopete]

I don't remember if I've asked you this before, but have you been able to scan the codes?

http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/

If no codes, I would compression test it. I believe you should have a minimum of 100 psi. on each cylinder. They all must be even. There is a certain percentage that the compression can variate, but I cannot remember it. 10% maybe. I got 175 psi. on each when I had tested by recently rebuilt 2.9L. It also has .030" off the heads. A leak down test would tell you more, but there's a procedure involved. They kind of pricey new, but here's instructions on how to make one yourself:

http://www.xs11.com/tips/misc/misc3.shtml

If all else fails, try to isolate the missing cylinder to get a better idea of what the problem might be. The spark plug will tell you a lot of what's going on. Like if it's running rich, or buring oil. Also, if you can isolate which cylinder, it will make the leak down or compression test a lot easier. They make cheap inline lights that go inbetween the spark plug and the wire. You'll be able to tell if there's a plug not firing all the time fairly easily with that.

Only suggestions I have..

Pete