Hello guys, I have a Ford Explorer 5.0L v8 swapped in my 1999 ford ranger. It burns oil and a little bit go smoke comes out the exhaust (sometimes). It also has an oil leak somewhere. What's common and how to fix it. TIA

 

Welcome to the forum

Make sure the PCV Valve is good, replace if you are not sure, PCV Valve reduces pressure in the valve covers so less oil can go down valve stems, but if valve stems seals are worn out then some oil will always get into the cylinders and be burned up and come out as smoke


An oil leak?
Need a location to give possible points to check

 

Theres oil on the transmission and back of the engine. But I have seen drops underneath the engine. Also what's the easiest way to check the PCV

 

Easiest way is to replace the PCV, should be done every 4 oil changes, they are cheap

If the oil is seen at the top of heads and top of bell housing then its most likely valve cover gasket leaking, not uncommon, its a gravity leak, not a pressure leak, so slow leak

 

It goes through a lot of oil. about half a court a week maybe.

 

Yes, that could still be a valve cover leak, just a bigger one
Because V8 heads sit at an angle and the engine sits at an angle, slanted to the back, oil in the valve covers collects at the lower rear inside the covers, engine running AND engine off, so it can be a constant steady leak, 24/7

A quart a DAY would be rear main seal, have to pull transmission to fix that, oil comes out of bellhousing next to the engine for this one, its a pressure leak so lots of oil comes out when engine is running

 

Is removing the valve cover a lot of work?

 

Just wrench work, no special knowledge is needed
Take pictures before removing wires and hoses so you have a reference when re-assembling

Use cork gaskets, not rubber, and use sealant(RTV) on both sides of the cork gasket, light coat, don't over do it
Make sure metal valve covers are FLAT where they press on the gasket, so put valve cover on flat surface to make sure its not warped, straighten it, if it is

OVER TIGHTENING is what warps these valve covers

Clean the head surface, of course, then install gasket on the head, the RTV will hold it in place

Then install the valve cover, it can be hard to wiggle into place on passenger side of some vehicles because of heater box


Cork is better because it will swell up with contact with oil and seal better over time
Rubber is used on racing engines for one reason only, it can be reused, so valve adjustments can be done at the track and no new gasket is needed.
Cork shouldn't be reused after 6-12months as it with often break