Ive been asking questions and posting recently on this forum because I'm about to buy a 1998 F150 V6 4.2l from friend of mine. It has the same problems some of you are posting. Idles rough, dies at stops but starts easily, sometimes dies while accelerating, and I get a p0102 code. I was advised to replace the MAF sensor from a mechanic. I tried cleaning it with no luck. I've read other forums about 97' & 98' V6 engines that have problems w/defective gaskets and coolant leaking in the cylinder.
Is this truck destined to be lemon? Should I buy this truck? Are all 98 V6 engines lemons like most of the 97's.

 

the motor arent bad, but if u want to spend the time and put new gaskets on to prevent the problem. I would. It is up to u to decide. Try to get a deal since aparently the truck is almost to the destruction time. If u do get it, get the gaskets done ASAP, before KABLOOEY.

 

She's a really good truck!!!!

 

I have 158000 on my 4.2 and have no problems with the motor. The only thing that I have replaced is the clutch. I think it is a wonderful pickup and gets better milage than a 4.6.

 

Iv'e done more research on the older forums here and found out that the engine build date was after the dreaded gasket defect. I still have an idle problem possibly because I have a P0102 code. Needs a new MAF.

 

Can you share when that engine build date era is for the bad gaskets?

 

If your engine was built on or before 1/15/98 then you might have a problem. The build date in on the driver side valve cover.