Now that you brought this back up, I have to say something. Most of the 98's didn't have the improved gaskets. The build date of the first improved engine was 1/16/98.

I also have to disagree with your opinion of the 4.6.

 

Tell the cab drivers who recycle police cars and put 300 thousand miles AFTER they get them with over 100k the 4.6 is junk. The 4.2 is reliable for sure but saying the 4.6 is junk is just stupid talk. One of the most reliable engines ever made.

 

[QUOTE=JCR 56;5124701]Check post dates, you just replied to a nine year old thread.[/QUOT
what difference does it make. He helped me with his input.

 

Now that this got brought up again, here's my opinion.

The 4.2 has to be one of the most reliable engines I've ever seen. The only internal engine work that mine has seen is plenum gaskets and isolator bolts at 120k. I now have almost 200k on it. Uses a quart of oil about every 5k.

It's not a powerhouse, the gas mileage isn't very good, but it does the job.

 

[QUOTE=Jamie Tall;5262800]I agree. Why should there be a time limit on an old post? Some people are new to the forum and should be treated with respect.

Also, as an owner of a 2001 F-150 with the 4.2L V-6 engine, I can vouch for its reliability. My 5-speed gets between 20 - 25 mpg but it is a 2WD instead of 4WD. The only problem it had was the rusted out radiator core and some leaking seals and gaskets that come with age, just like me. Mechanically, it has been excellent and it has never burned any oil. I highly recommend it.

 

Sometimes that is the name of the game. You could do "maintenance" on the rest of the car, replace parts as needed, and keep most cars running. But the game changer is when an engine fails, a transmission fails, or the body is damaged that it's leaking everywhere.

I'm not in position to say when it's time to let a car go and buy a new car. I've kept cars longer than I should have. But I always believe that it's cheaper to fix the car you have, than to buy a new car. Which brings me to extremes. I keep pouring money into cars to keep them on the road. It's like owning a boat.