I recently purchased a old worn out 1992 Ford Explorer with the idea of making it into a work truck for my business (I am building contractor). It has the 4.0L 245cid V6 with just over 80k miles (I beleive it to be 180k as the odometer does not have a sixth digit). I hear an obvious clicking type sound that I believe to be worn valves?. Also with the engine running I notice smoke coming from the dipstick tube when I rev the engine up. There is not really any smoke coming from the exhaust all though when I feel the exhaust I can slightly feel moisture. This is my first Ford truck so I am not at all familar with them. Has anyone out there had a problem similar to this? I am pretty sure at least one the heads is shot. When I bought this truck I planned on having a rebuilt 302 installed as well a new transmission to go with it. I was hoping that maybe I could get about year out of it before having to shell out the money for this. I guess my main question is Has anyone seen these sypmtoms or similiar before? Does anyone have any suggestions for a quick remedy? As far installing a new engine, can a 5.0L (289,302) be installed without any major modifications? What transmission is most economical for the new engine? I am sorry that this post has turned out so lengthy and that have so many questions, I just recently found this forum and started learning all the insight provided on it. Thanks,
Keith

 

All you can do is check the PCV valve to see if it is working. Sounds like you have more blowby than it can handle. Is the air filter getting oily? If it is then you will have to clean the MAF sensor once in a while or the air fuel ratios will get off.