Three problems related to engine oil leaking have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I noticed smoke coming from engine compartment after stopping to fuel up after driving several hours at a speed of 65 mph. Took vehicle into dealer and told them that the engine was leaking oil and had to put in three quarts to finish 400 mile trip. Service dept. Advisor said problem was do to galley plug leaking. They replaced plug and engine still leaks. Vehicle is still in shop after 5 days. They recommended replacing head.
Engine oil leak due to a cross threaded galley plug in engine. Mjs.
Engine starting failure has caused the car to be left two times, each time it stumbled and when it did start my wife put it into drive at which time it rolled into traffic and cut off again. This is dangerous, the shop I took it to could find no bad codes and had no idea why it happened. I found a TSB concerning it on your website so now I know others are having the same problem. Concerning the squeeling coming from the front end at speeds from 0-40, I took it to a shop and they sprayed some lubricant on it but the noise returned, I am afraid that something is going to fail in the front end and again. I found a TSB concerning the same problem on your site, so I am not alone in this problem. The oil leak was noticed when the squeal problem was investigated and again I noticed a TSB conserning the rear main seal leaking.