hey guys. i got a 99 5.2l dakota 5spd which ive had for about 3 mos. i have a couple issues currently. in that 3 mos or so ive had to put in 3 quarts or so of oil so im losing oil somewhere (no obvious leak spots). the other issue is when in WOT usually in 3rd gear i will get a puff of what looks to be whitish smoke (dont think its blueish and def not black) it also does it when i pull hard in 1st out of my driveway from a cold start. im still a novice at diagnosing problems so any tips would be appreciated. oh incidently im low on coolant as well (waiting on money to get some haha i know its like 10 bucks). the motor has 107k on it. if i have to get new seals/gaskets im kinda wondering how much its gonna run me i know that depends on which ones need replacing but anyway. thanks!

 

if its valve seals anyone know what a shop might charge for that? ive heard could be those and valve guides too. or rings..i can call around and get quotes but just thought id ask

 

Intake plenum gasket is usually the cause of eating up oil without a visible leak, not too big of a job. Get the hughes plenum kit.

Coolant, rent a coolant pressure tester, get a flash light, rip off the inner fenders, pump it up to 16psi and look around the block. If it's leaking, you'll see it.