I'm new to this forum so take it easy on me, at least for my first posting. I just bought a 97 F150 with a 4.2 and I might not have if I'd read this forum first, but it's MY truck now. I bought it to tow my boat (2150 lbs) and everything seemed tight until I towed for the first time. I towed 90 miles one-way and it lacked the power I expected and when accelerating up overpasses it downshifted to 2nd, I think, I don't have a tach. I made it, went fishing and figured I'd need a tune-up. The real problem started when I pulled my boat up the ramp. I accelerated in 2nd and heard a loud rattling, ratcheting, stick in a fan noise. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it was disturbing. It will now do it in reverse as well as when you accelerate at any speed. It's more pronounced when the truck is cold (first 6 miles), it's not gone after that, just not as bad. It also seems to lope or bounce at around 40 mph and shudder and vibrate at 45 to 55 mph. I have an idea what it is from reading this forum, but I don't want to influence any fresh opinions. There's a lot of talent here.
Tom

 

well ..first of all welcome to the forum watch out now ..but anyway...besides the lack of power does the truck run ok (rather than towing) anyway?...could be a broken motor mount? tranny mount? from what you typed...could be either...but you never know...zap!

 

Zapster, thanks for your reply. I haven't pushed it hard or towed since the first time, but it seems to have ok power when not towing. However, all the problems I described still exist. I'm not familiar with the 4.2, but it seems to use a lot of gas (12mpg, city with a/c) so along with checking the mounts I'll renew the plugs and wires. Also, when I was towing I could smell trans fluid and the level went down some, but not out of normal range. I need to have some idea what the problem is so I can fix it myself or if I take it to a shop, they do what's necessary. I'm on a tight budget, I'm moving from South Florida to Charlotte NC and I'd like to take my boat with me.
Thanks,
Tom

 

Sorry I didn't see it and responded in the wrong thread. I'm not exactly sure what problem you are describing but it sounds like you're about to lose the snap ring on the intermedite roller clutch.
Alan

 

Alan, thanks for replying. This doesn't sound like something I want to take on myself (no shop or garage to work in), just nice to be armed with some insight before I take it in. I thought for sure it was the TC, put some additive in and it helped some. It sounds like metal on metal rotating against each other.
Thanks,
Tom

 

Anything is possible, I would guess since the problem happened after a violent 3-2 or 4-2 shift that the pressure has bent the snap ring. Those converters are prone to clutch failure, but they usually give a rattling noise at low speeds and shudder feelings when trying to lock up.
Alan

 

Most of the noise is at low speed when accelerating with no shudder. The shudder is mainly around 50 mph and the shift to OD. Excuse my ignorance, but is the clutch a part of the converter?

 

The converter clutch is part of the converter. Without dissasembling the trans it is really hard to figure out what is damaged, it could be any number of things. Check the u-joints and mounts first.
Alan

 

Thanks Alan, I know a lot more about what I'm dealing with now. I'll post how it turns out.
Tom

 

Alan, zap or anyone, if you are still checking this thread, I have another question. What is the relation of the TC to OD, because when the truck is cold, the rattling is present when it shifts up, but not as bad when the OD is off. I know I'm fixating on the TC and I should just take it to the shop, but did I mention I live in South Florida? Finding a trustworthy shop is not easy, so I'd like to know as much as possible about the problem and cost before I go.
Thanks,
Tom

 

I have no clue what that could be. You know about the 4.2 catalytic converter rattles right?
Alan