1998 Ford Explorer

It can, but how much water is in the oil? If it's turning whitish brown and slugdy looking, it's probably more severe than that, check compression, and or do a block test, kit is available at parts stores.
I aslo found this TSB may apply to yours:
CAMPAIGN 00M12 - 4.0L SOHC CAMSHAFT CHAIN TENSIONER & LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 00M12, Â Date of Issue: Â December, 2000 Superceded Bulletin(s): 00M12, Â Date of Issue: Â November, 2000 Related Ref Number(s): 00M12 ARTICLE BEGINNING SUBJECT Owner Notification Program 00M12 Supplement #1: Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport-Trac Vehicles Equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engines - New Labor Operation DEALER LETTER December, 2000 TO: All Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers SUBJECT: Owner Notification Program 00M12 Supplement #1: Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer/Mountaineer and 2001 Explorer Sport/Sport-Trac Vehicles Equipped with 4.0L SOHC Engines - New Labor Operation REFERENCE: Owner Notification Program 00M12 dated November, 2000 REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Ã Â Â The purpose of this supplement is to add an additional Labor Operation which includes diagnosis for a potential lower intake manifold gasket leak. Ã Â Â The Question and Answer Sheet has also been updated to reflect diagnosis of a lower intake manifold gasket leak. OASIS: Yes OWNER LIST: Yes PARTS RETURN: No PROGRAM TERMS: On the affected vehicles, this program extends the coverage for the 4.0L SOHC camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gasket to 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle's warranty start date, whichever occurs first. This coverage will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until FORD: 1997-2000 Explorer; 2001 Explorer Sport/SApril 30, 2001. AFFECTED VEHICLES Ã Â Â Certain 1997 through 2000 Explorer and Mountaineer vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines built at the Louisville Assembly Plant and St. Louis Assembly Plants from Job #1, 1997 through April 7, 2000. Ã Â Â Certain 2001 Explorer Sport and Sport-Trac vehicles equipped with 4.0L SOHC engines built at the Louisville Assembly Plant from Job #1 through April 7, 2000. SERVICE ACTION Ã Â Â Owners of affected vehicles are being notified that Ford Motor Company is providing additional coverage for the affected engine camshaft chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gaskets. Ã Â Â If either the camshaft chain tensioner or lower intake manifold gasket should require replacement, dealers are instructed to install both of these upgraded parts at the same time, at no charge to the customer. Ã Â Â The no charge coverage for this condition is available for 6 years or 72,000 miles from the vehicle's warranty start date, whichever occurs first, and will automatically transfer to subsequent owners. If the vehicle already has more than 72,000 miles, this coverage will last until April 30, 2001. Ã Â Â Please read ATTACHMENT IV (Question & Answer Sheet) for more details. REASONS FOR THIS PROGRAM We have incorporated enhancements into newly produced Explorer 4.0L SOHC engines. The long- term benefits of these improvements are being offered to prior customers. The need to install a replacement camshaft chain tensioner is typically indicated by an engine rattling noise that occurs just after cold engine start up and goes away within a few minutes after the engine is running. Rough idle and low idle are symptoms which may, in some cases, indicate an intake manifold leak. The condition of either or both of these components will not cause engine damage or failure, but may decrease the customer's satisfaction with their vehicle. ATTACHMENTS Attachment I. Administrative Information and Refund Codes Attachment II. Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information Attachment III. Technical Information Attachment IV. Question & Answer Sheet Customer Notification Letter QUESTIONS? Claims Information:. 1-800-423-8851port-Trac MERCURY: 1997-2000 Mountaineer