2001 ford e 350 van is smoking when running why?

Valve seal leaks will cause an engine to smoke on start until the oil burns off. If a head gasket were leaking it would be smoking constantly.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/james_8f14c50d9c6cdea8

It should say right on the dipstick but you will check it with the engine running and the transmission in park.

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2001 7.3 TURBO DIESEL ,CRANKS WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE TURBO, AND THE TAIL PIPE NO START

White smoke is a sign of water which may be a sign of a blown head gasket..... havve a reputable shop do a compression test on this vehicle.
If the car runs a few minutes does it overheat??? If so turn it off and dont drive it until it gets fixed if not white could be condensation and low batteries could be just in need of replacement and or a good charge.

here you go its in manual from ford

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/owners_manuals/default.asp

Does Ford replaced the cruise control deactivation switch.
Vehicles involved in the recall include the following:

1998-2002 Ford Ranger
1992-1997 Lincoln Town Car
1992-1997 Ford Crown Victoria
1992-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993-1995 Taurus SHO
1999-2001 Ford Explorer
1999-2001 Mercury Mountaineer
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
1992-1993 E150-350 Vans
1997-2002 E150-350 vans
1993-1997 Ford F-Series pickups
1993 Ford Bronco
1994 Mercury Capri
2003-2004 Ford F0150 Lightning
1995-2002 Ford F53 motor homes.

Either valve stem seals are leaking or the turbo oil seal is leaking.

Vehicles involved in the recall include the following:

1998-2002 Ford Ranger
1992-1997 Lincoln Town Car
1992-1997 Ford Expedition
1992-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis
1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
1993-1995 Taurus SHO
1999-2001 Ford Explorer
1999-2001 Mercury Mountaineer
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport
2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
1992-1993 E150-350 Vans
1997-2002 E150-350 vans
1993 Ford F-Series pickups
1993 Ford Bronco
1994 Mercury Capri
2003-2004 Ford F0150 Lightning
1995-2002 Ford F53 motor homes.

Check the EGR and the fuel pressure regulator.These are very common culprits.

Sounds like maybe one of your injectors is know working, I would start with that. Please let me know if this helps. Any other questions on this please ask.

Cheers