1988 ranger truck 2.3 L excessive white smoke no water in oil no oil in water cracked head or busted head gasket?

Answer 1

Are you loosing coolant? If you are loosing coolant, then the white smoke is probably steam from coolant getting into the combustion chambers. Yes, you could still have either a cracked head, or a blown headgasket even if there is no water/oil intermix. Another possibility is the intake manifold gasket could be leaking internally. Unfortunately, you probably will never know until you tear it all down. I will almost guarantee you have internal engine problems such as a cracked head or blown head gasket. White smoke is as the above post said, coolant in the combustion chamber. You can also remove the radiator cap and verify that there is plenty of coolant in the radiator. Add water if necessary. Start the truck. Stand back and watch the radiator opening for a few seconds. If you see air bubbles, this is a good sign you have a blown or cracked head. Also if you smell coolant, (Sweet Smell) at the tailpipe, you have the same. A compression check will verify this.