2001 Ranger 4 cylinder using oil and water?

[btroy]

Good morning, My son has a 2001 Ranger with a 4 cylinder, I noticed it was burning oil as well as using water. 155K, 5 speed.

I see white smoke coming out of the exhaust so I would think this is a head issue. Either cracked or a blown head gasket.

Is it typical for these engines to get cracked head? How about blown head gasket? Does a rebuilt head include the cams as this is a DOHC?

He just bought this truck and just from what I have determined I think it could be either of the above.

Anyway I am going to pull the head today and see if I can determine what is going on.

BTW any gotcha that I need to be aware of when removing/installing a new head?

Thanks for any insight that may be provided.

[Davescort97]

Cams don't come with a rebuilt head. If you put on a rebuilt it should solve the problem. If you just replace the head gasket (or want to) take the head and have it pressure tested to determine if it is cracked. There is too much labor involved replacing the head gasket, only to find out that the job has to be redone because the head itself is cracked. Put a straight edge on the head and use feeler gauges to determine if it is warped. Anything over .006 should be machined straight again. If the head is warped too much it will blow the new head gasket.