So I just picked up a 95 manual escort from a local seller. (Thought i'd pick one up sense gas prices are killing me on the F250..plus it was a deal!)

Anyways I bought it 2 days ago, today when I went to work and run errands I noticed white smoke coming from the tail pipe. I didnt notice then when I bought it, but today I actually noticed it when I went to get something out of the trunk while it was running. It wouldnt stop, the temprature gauge even started to work from "Cold" to its normal climbing stage..Didnt overheat or anything. But any idea on what it could be. I was told I had a blown head gasket But I wanted to get other opinions before i take it in for repairs or even try to do this one myself.. It has 85K on the motor. I checked the radiator for coolant, it was good. Resivour was good, had plenty of oil. I even popped off the valve cover last night and also checked the belts, Everythings looks fine! Just spits white smoke when driving or when sitting! HELP?!!!

 

you blew a head gasket. Mines on its third head gasket. Its two things. One the guy before you drove it like they stole it and the head gasket isnt the best especially on ford escorts. Sorry for the bad news. Mines going out again and I was told if I do it myself it will be around 30 bucks so thats some good news for you. Hope it helps.

 

the gasket is $15.00 but dont forget the head bolts. $27.00 you HAVE to use BRAND NEW head bolts or the head will not torque right. I had a tracer with 198k miles on it and did the head 1 time (cause of #4 valve seat) and never had a problem with gasket again. And I drive it like I stole it .. do a leak down test to be certain. pull all plugs. take off radiator and oil fill cap. put engine on top dead center timing and put air in #1 cylinder. listen to where the air comes out. rotate crank 1/2 turn. put air in #2 cylinder. listen ... ect all the way down the line. if air comes out the oil fill cap possible head gasket but likely rings. radiator, head gasket. air cleaner or exhaust, its a valve, need cylinder head.