4.2 problems limited to '97?

[Boj]

Are all these problems people are having with their 4.2s limited to just the 1997 model? I have a 97 now and don't mind the power characteristics, as it it gets me decent mileage. Looking to get a new truck because of all the problems I have been reading about. I don't want to get another 4.2 if it is gonna have the same reliability issues. Thanks

[wildchild]

hey boj: are you getting the new truck because yours is already having probs or just out of fear that they may happen?
i have a '97 with 35,000 mi. on it and have had nothing but excellent luck with this vehicle. i bought it used last year with 17,000 mi on it. so far i'd have to say i'm very impressed with this truck and would definitely not take the loss to trade it in on a new one yet.
not all '97's had trouble just a select group of them i believe.
terry

[Boj]

Terry,

I guess it is fear of something happening. I have been reading about the problems with the 4.2 and the 5 speed, I have both. I had the timing cover recall done on my truck a couple of months ago, and now have been losing coolant. It has been back the dealership twice already.

Plus, it is a good excuse to get 4x4.

[Waldo0506]

I have a........well just look at my signature. I almost have 50,000 miles on my truck and I have had 3 problems, door cracks, and when I go up hill (mostly it happens uphill) I have good rpm's and the truck will kind of jerk a bit. Cant get it to do it for my dad (I'm 17). Can someone tell me whats up please? The last problem is a small leak on the sliding rear glass. These are the only problems. Due to lack of $$ I am stuck with this truck and I couldn't be much happier.

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'97 F-150 XLT Clearcoat Red
4x2
4x4 wheels
Stepside, K&N, bedliner
32inch tires,flowmaster
tint, matching ford sticker
5spd fully loaded, hidden hitch
Comming soon:
spark plugs/wires,leveling kit,toolbox,
bed rails,push bar, CB with whiplash,
clear corner lenses,brush guard, blackouts,
edlebrock shocks, hypertech, K&N induction system,KC highlighters,
bed xtender, BOSE audio or infinity gold, disc changer,
side steps, dixie horn, white faaced gauges, and those small fender flares some 4x4's have,
matching boddy color of course, and some of those door guards,ventshade visors, power pulleys, that is all
i can think of right now

[roc_sld]

Waldo, I to have the same problem with my 97 F-150. At about 55-59 mph It will jerk a little. I have had it to the shop a couple of times but it hasn't went away. Guess we are in the same boat. If I figure it out I will let you know.

[eph1fifty]

over 40,000 miles and no problems! I too have the 5-speed but on a 4x4 platform.

I beat the crap out of my truck...

[getsumbaby]

I have a problem with my '97 V6 running good one day and terrible the next. It has even stalled on me quite a few times. Ill get in my truck to run to the store and it will run great. Then on the way home from the store it runs like sh*t. I have taken it to the dealer 4 times and they cant find the problem. Has anybody else experienced these type of problems?

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Visit My House
http://www.edshouse.com

[Bill Bateman]

If my truck was running like that I'd be suspicious of the fuel system or fuel. Maybe water?

[Shifter]

26,000 miles (42,000 km) on my '98 and not a hick-up, pause, hesitation or any other engine or transmission problem. 19,000 miles (29,700 km) on my '00 and nothing out of the ordinary. No door cracks on either, nothing. And from what I know, there's lots of us like that out there.

Also, from what I've learned from this site and elsewhere, there's problems that crop up from time to time with every manufacturer that lets the accountants run production and parts sourcing -- Silverados with major engine and other assembly problems, Toyota V-6 head gaskets (a few years ago), BMW 318i timing chain "profile" gaskets (read: TC "cover" gaskets, same as the early 4.2s). You name it.

Hey, my brother's got an early ('96) Windstar that he bought new and really likes, until he found it had a transmission sure to blow, head gaskets sure to go, PLUS the timing chain cover gasket sure to leak coolant into his oil and total his engine, all the result of penny-pinching by accountants or management (and I mean PENNIES!), and my brother's really pissed about it! My dad's got a '99 Windstar SEL and he's asking me "What's with all these basic mechanical problems that happen to Randy's van? Will they happen to mine?"

But relax. These are still the best of the domestic trucks, which now includes Toyota. But nothing's perfect.

------------------
Black 2000 SC short-box XLT. 4.2V-6, 5-speed, 3.55 limited-slip. CD, remote entry, factory side steps, FORD box liner.

My third F-series: '73 F-100 Custom 240-cube 3-speed, '98 F-150 XL-SC 4.2 5-speed, and '00 F-150 XLT-SC 4.2 5-speed. GREAT trucks!

[This message has been edited by Shifter (edited 08-19-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Shifter (edited 08-20-2000).]

[Waldo0506]

I agree shifter all trucks have problems. Yall just think Fords have the problems cause yall read all the complainin about Fords. I dont think it is the truck that goes bad. Its mostly the people that drive them.

------------------
'97 F-150 XLT Clearcoat Red
4x2
4x4 wheels
Stepside, K&N, bedliner
32inch tires,flowmaster
tint, matching ford sticker
5spd fully loaded, hidden hitch
Comming soon:
spark plugs/wires,leveling kit,toolbox,
bed rails,push bar, CB with whiplash,
clear corner lenses,brush guard, blackouts,
edlebrock shocks, hypertech, K&N induction system,KC highlighters,
bed xtender, BOSE audio or infinity gold, disc changer,
side steps, dixie horn, white faaced gauges, and those small fender flares some 4x4's have,
matching boddy color of course, and some of those door guards,ventshade visors, power pulleys, that is all
i can think of right now

[Kirby]

I bought my 97 in March of 96. I have 94K miles. I did have the coolant leak. I had it fixed the first time. Leaked again. Ford fixed it on the recall that time. No other major problems.

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1997 F-150 XL, 4.2L 5spd
Mods: 16x8 Centerline wheels, Flowmaster, K&N, tint, alarm, billet grille, carpet, Kenwood CD w/Infinity speakers, 60/40 seats.
Coming soon: 285/60 GY Tires

[kman]

I have had my 97 4.2 5 speed from day one.
NOT ONE PROBLEM WITH IT.
No crack. No shift problems.
Only problem was the timing cover leak wich ford fixed at no cost. Put a lift kit in at around 20000 miles and still now problems
Best truck I could own. Was going to sell it but have decided to keep it and beat the crap out of it cause I know it can take it.

[ponysix8]

boj,
alot of the problems are maintenance related and on high milage trucks. all these trucks are saying is "okay you wore me out, now its time to replace the part".
i think my truck is reliable even if it has died 4 times- its okay as long as it starts up again. just need to find out what is wrong with it and it'll be just like new.

[Clifton Matthews]

I just traded my 94 flareside with the staight six, it had 140,000 on it and other than replacing the alternator at 120,000 never had a bit of trouble from it. now have a 2000 with the V6, hope to have the same luck with it. Also all my friends drive Fords, and none of which have had any major problems with theirs, oe even got over 200,000k on his..

00'xl, 4.2, 3.55
K&N air filter
more mods to come

[MotorcycleMan]

Boj: Take it back to Ford and have them check it for the head gasket leaking...I hope this helps you out.