I am considering trading my car for this guys 1997 F-150 V6 4.2L, 226K miles. I have been doing some looking and it looks like there are some major issues with the 1997 v6 4.2L engine. I have not ran the car fax yet, but it also looks like there were quite a few recalls for this year and model.

Need some f150 expert advice

Thanks.

 

I can tell you I owned a 2000 for 10 years and sold it just last Summer with about 160K+ on the ticker that was among the 3 or 4 most reliable vehicles I ever owned.

I used that thing too. Drove it across country twice, once while fully loaded and towing 16 foot trailer. I was well over its rated towing with 1 street bike, 3 dirt bikes, 3 atv's, tools, generator, compressor, and all sorts of garage items- that was from Indiana to AZ, 2000 miles- and it pulled it. It didn't like it through the mountains one bit, but we made it.

Took it hunting and camping often, was my hauler and my grocery getter and commuter. I cared for it well of course and never had a single major repair performed- or needed. Recalls were for minor things, had them performed. Worst thing that happened was more a nuisance- blew out the heater core. Bypassed it and drove it for 4 years anyway around the Phoenix suburbs where heat ain't much necessary. I simply maintained it and kept it tuned up.

I loved that ol' truck. Hated selling it but needed the down payment money for the current rig. It didn't have all the power or capabilities I really wanted, but it made up for it everywhere else.

I hope you get a bunch more replies and insights. Hope you find peace with your decision.

 

Well that's good to see a good story about that engine, been seeing/reading some real horror stories involving head gasket failures.

 

I think they had intake gasket issues in '97 and '98.

 

That's the part I was wondering/concerned about. Was hoping for some more info from anyone that had direct experience with it.


Other question: If it was a recall issue and has not been addressed on this vehicle, would ford still fix it?

 

I personally wouldn't do it unless you are prepared to replace the engine. The bad gaskets were the lower intake and front cover, and I don't think they actually issued a recall for that.

 

I was wondering about that since I cannot seem to find any documentation regarding a recall for those gaskets.

 

Ok, I am seeing a LOT of mentions online of ppl with 97 f150 4.2L engines with coolant in their oil or vice versa.
Have all the 97-98 f150 owners on here had to replace their engines?

Look fwd to hearing feedback.

 

Don't know about the car you are trading. Is it reliable? Would the truck be your daily driver? If so and the car is reliable, I would not take the chance on a vehicle you know little about. It might be great, but with that many miles, things can go bad.

 

I work from home and hardly ever drive. One day a week to the local park and ride.
Appreciate the advice.

Was not sure how many 97 f150 owners were on here.

 

i have one with the 4.2. as far as i know it has had no issues. I find the 4.2 severely under powered. Towing my atv trailer with 2 quads (a 300 and small 110) and my 500 in the bed of the truck its a struggle to get up some of the hills in my area. But luckily that's not a every day thing and i was used to the power of my diesel. As long as you watch your fluids you should be fine. If it was going to fail it probably would have done it by now. Its now a 17 year old truck

 

I was thinking the same thing in regards to if it was going to fail in the gaskets it would have done it by now, going tomorrow to check it out, vin comes back with no recall notices at all.

Power isn't that much of an issue, I won't be towing anything.

 

Welp the thing has 226k on it so it must have been fairly reliable. It does have allot of miles so if you buy a rig like that its gonna need work! If you want an old truck and you have no problem doing some wrenching and the price is right there good truck. Dont expect not to have to repair a deal like that..