99 Express 3500 white smoke, milky oil [Expired Topic]

**Flashvan** · 01-13-2009, 10:41 PM

Hello All,

I have a 99 Express 3500 ext cargo van with the 5.7 and 169k miles. I am losing antifreeze and it seems it is getting into the oil. White smoke at start up etc. I dont know if its the head gasket or the intake gasket. I had to pull the van out of service today and use my 05 Express van for deliveries. I know its gonna be a back breaking job and I am not looking foward to doing it. But has anyone had to do this to thier express van? Any tips on doing this job? Thanks.

Joe Flash

**ct9a** · 01-13-2009, 11:43 PM

I would say that it's a head gasket, from what I've experienced with the 5.7L's.

**tlperry68** · 01-14-2009, 12:30 AM

Yep, sounds like a blown head gasket.

**Flashvan** · 01-14-2009, 09:05 AM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the info. That truck has always worked hard for me and has never asked much for repairs. Although I am a firm beleiver of preventive maintenance. It has never overheated so I dont think the heads would be warped. I will take my time and tear it down and get it fixed. I will post some pics of the repair. Thanks.

Joe Flash