Newbie Here!
1997 4.2L XLT

My issue is that the engine starts/runs, but on initial start-up it smokes like crazy (white). My thought of course is the head gasket, but I've been advised that I should just replace the engine, which again runs fine and stops smoking once you get it going. When I bought it, we did an oil change and there had to be 11 quarts of oil in it, bad stuff, it was nasty. Now when I start, it still smokes at first and then the engine clanks a bit, more like a valve/piston hitting not metal grinding or anything.

I have a hard time replacing an engine that runs without a few more troubleshooting tasks, but where do I start? I've read quite a bit that the
4.2L aren't the best, but couldn't I start with head gasket work? This is really for the die hard F150 heads, ya'll know best!

Thanks in Advance.

 

I'm not an engine expert or anything, but if you drained 11 quarts of oil out of it, then there is probably alot more wrong then head gaskets and it will be easier and cheaper to drop another engine into it.

 

Maybe a thrown rod?

 

The smoke on initial start up is probably valve seals.

What oil filter do you have on it? If the filter is draining down it will clatter until it pumps the pressure back up. If it's a Fram change it right now!

How many miles are on it?
You said nasty oil, explain.
You may have a serious sludge build up that is holding oil on top of the head and allowing it to be sucked in through the valve guides.
Does the clatter go away after it starts?

Do a little homework before dropping a new motor in it....unless you have money to burn.
Pull the plugs and see what they look like, number them and post a pic if you can.
Compression and leak down test would help alot with your decision.

Good luck

 

In response to jgger:
The mileage is at 143K. There was sludge in the oil, brownish looking, no particular odor or moisture. The clatter does slow down after running it a few miles. Initially when revving/accelerating it increases but quiets after a warm run. I'll pull the plugs next week and post pictures.

Thanks

 

Have you pulled the heads and seen what it looks like in there?

 

I'm betting you have leaky intake and front cover gaskets, and it's only a matter of time before it hydrolocks. Look for another engine that was built after 1/16/98.