I have a 1994 ford explorer and just today I have noticed the engine skipping and it seems about to cut off. The idle is just fine, but the engine is shaking and exhaust is spitting out of the exhaust pipe. Any ideas about how to fix this, or what is wrong before I take it to the shop? Thanks for your help

 

I assume you meant 'water' spitting out the exhaust. Sounds like it could be a blown head gasket. Check the oil for signs of water. Also, with the motor cold, remove the radiator cap and gun the engine. If water gushes out, that's the sign of a blown head gasket. Let us know how you make out.

Mike

 

Thanks Mike,

Last night I went out to check on my car again, and the problem seemed to been gone. The car was running like it was before the trouble started happening. Do you think I might have had some trash or dirt get into the engine, or maybe have put bad gas in my car, or do you think it might still be a blown gasket? Thanks for your help.

 

I get the same problem every spring when the fuel blends change. It comes and goes. You can't even run a lawn mower on some of it.

TomCarperNGiles

 

A normally running engine when properly tuned will put out small amounts of clear water at the exhaust. It is normal. Of course, excess steam and green fluid is not.

 

What about minor shaking and what feels like bubbling when at a stand still? 2004 V6

 

i just changed the head gaskets in my 91 exploder with 160,000 kms. the antifreeze was not changed regulairly by the previous owner so everthing was shot. ( rad, hoses, heater core, frost plugs and water pump. ) after changing everything but the head gaskets. I was still losing a little water. every once in a while it would run like crap when I first start it up, no noticeable signs of steamy exhaust. kept an eye on the oil to make sure it was not milky and it never was. even pulled the spark plugs no signs of water. until one day I went ot start it up and there was a huge cloud ( size of a house ) of white smoke thus meaning head gaasket to me. I still drove it for a couple of days until I was ready to change it over. but I could have ruined the whole engine if it went all together. a change I took and got away with.