So I have a 1986 Ranger 2.9 L 2WD Auto. It starts fine, runs good, but all there is, is a huge flume of bluish/white smoke that keeps coming from the tailpipe. I'm thinking it's bad gas... (it sat for a good while) It does seem to hesitate when I rev it up in park as well. Also there seems to be a little ping in it, very small, low ping. It runs up and down the road fine. Just confused here. Friend suggested that there might be a crack in the engine... I do know that the valve cover gaskets are needing to be replaced as well as the spark plugs I assume. Also said that it might be an O ring.
Any Help in much appreciated.
Patrick

 

could be bad gas how long did it sit if over a year don't run it on that gas no more as it could varnish up the valves causing them to stick if not been sitting that long run a compression check could be a bad head gasket between two cylinders

 

It's unlikely to be bad gasoline if it runs well. You probably have either oil or coolant getting into the combustion chambers.

Does the exhaust smoke smell sweet, like antifreeze?

Heavy oil burning will produce white/blue smoke. Oil can get into the combustion chamber from bad valve guides, broken or badly worn piston rings, a faulty transmission vacuum modulator, clogged drain back holes in the cylinder head, a faulty PCV system or simple overfilling of the oil sump.

What's the history of this vehicle?