I think I'm in trouble

[defiant79]

Got a 1999 Ford Windstar with a 147100 miles on the 3.8L engine. Engine is reporting a misfire on cylinder 6, just replaced plugs, plug wires, coil pack, and have completed the Valve cover repair.

The engine also developed a knock, I drove it to work yesterday and when I got home the knock was gone, but I now have blue smoke coming from the exhaust. Other than a low idle the van seems to be running fine. A buddy of mine thinks that the piston rings are shot, so I figured I'd try asking someone who maybe more familiar with the windstars. Should I be looking to replace the motor here or not? The engine misfire seems to on and off, mostly if the van idles for to long (stop and go traffic) it will start blinking the CEL and the van will run a little rough till you get on it and then it clears up.

Thanks again everyone!

[garync1]

Did your van do this before you changed all those parts?? If not it may be just a loose plug wire.. Might want to pull number 6 plug and check it out..

[defiant79]

Yes, it did have the misfire on cylinder 6 before changing all this stuff. It was suggested to replace these items as it may help with the misfire, and I have checked and rechecked the plug wires, they are on.

[garync1]

The only other option is to remove the plug and take a look at it. If its oil fouled after only a short time there could be a problem with oil rings.. also you may want to check to make sure the fuel injector is working.. The blue smoke does not really scare me at this point because if everything is not working as it should
then smoke you will get.. Flooding the van would cause blue smoke also blow by from the oil rings and leaking valve guide seals.. With the misfire only being in one cylinder something in that area is wrong.. The hard part is ruling out all the options. You could do compression test on that cylinder to see what you get. You can get a tester fairly cheap if you shop at the right place.. I got one for 9.00 bucks and it works fairly well.. Its a little work but you could try to pull the injector and inspect it and clean it as best you can to see if there is a change..