Ok.. I have a 98 with the 5.4 67000 miles.. i purchased it used approx one month ago.. had it checked out no leaks or anything anywhere, very clean truck.. in the winter at start up white smoke is fairly normal from moisture that can collect in the exhaust over night.. but.. i am finding that the truck.. last night after driving an hour 65+ when pulling into the drive and sitting for a minute or so starts to have that same smoke as if i had just started it up.. i have checked oil dipstick nothing looks weird, and i have not been loosing any coolant, is this normal or something to worry about,, im taking it in for an oil change this week so we'll see what comes out then. the truck also seems to have a bit of a miss, but at idle but once it is going no problems there.. it does not smoke once it is moving again only when i stop for a while..

 

I would assume that this smoke is white, not blue, grey, brown or black. Have you walked by the tailpipe and smelled the smoke (don't stick your nose right into it, just kinda walk by). Does it smell like the truck would normally?

I have owned and driven multiple 1990+ Ford vehicles and they all have white, moisture like, smoke at an idle (and sometimes constant depending on outside tempurature) in the colder weather.

I would only be concerned it there's a drop in the coolant level, oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil, or if the smoke isn't white or if it smells like coolant.

 

I agree with medic. My family has had many Ford trucks over the years, and all of them have the same steam/condensation coming from the tail pipes (really looks cool if you have dual exhaust). Where there could be a problem is if the "smoke" is actually smoke rather than steam. The smoke could be oil burning, coolant leak, etc.. Occasionally, after start up, it is normal to shoot out a little smoke. My father's truck (4.6) with 175,000 mi. on it does from time to time, but the smoke is not excessive. Ambi. temps could cause vapors to look like smoke.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys for letting me know.. helps me to sleep better at night.. lol..