Ford Repair: engine, blown head gaskets, cracked head

Question
I have a '95 windstar. I have had the engine replaced because of a cracked head once before. But, this engine started blowing out white smoke.How can I determine whether it is a cracked head or blown gasket?
thanks,
Curt

Answer
Curt-

  Unfortunately the only way to tell the difference between a cracked block, a cracked head, or a blown gasket if disassembly.  All will display relatively close results in any test you can throw at them and it usually (though not always) takes a visual inspection to come to a definitive conclusion.  I can, however, tell you that Windstars have quite a track record for blown head gaskets...largely in the 3.8L models.  Hope this helps.

Steve