heres the symptoms: intermittent long crank to start, misfire that fluctuates from minor to multiple cylinders, low oil (it leaks and I'm sure it burns it but it doesn't smoke I've probably added 5 quarts in 4,000 miles), one fouled plug, coolant is rusty even after flushing and its disappearing but not onto the ground. I've replaced the plugs and wires and that's it. Im doing a compression test tomorrow. I'm thinking head gasket but trying to convince myself otherwise. Any ideas!?!?! 153k. Everything else works like it should for an old huntin truck

 

Oh and the oil looks normal

 

Compression test sounds like a great idea for a starting point. That should tell you if the problem is mechanical. How many miles on the engine?

 

153k