I am looking to switch from my current Toyota to an F150. I need a bigger truck, but don't need a ton of power for hauling or towing. I've seen a lot of fair looking deals on trucks with the 4.2 but I've also read some things that make me wonder about that motor's longevity. So how is it? I have seen some reports that some of them had major failures and that some parts were recalled, but I don't know when or what model year that would have been fixed.
Should I consider a 4.2 or would it just be a headache down the road? Were the issues worked out of that motor after a certain year?
Thanks.

 

Do yourself a big favor and get the 4.6 its bullet proof. The 4.2 is not nearly as reliable as the 4.6. Gas mileage is about the same also...

 

I haven't had my 4.2 long so I can't vouch for it much but from what I hear, these trucks are either complete pains in the *** or a jewel. Just hope you get a good one.

 

I've had my 2003, F150, 4.2 v6, for about a year and 3 months, and I have had absolutely NO problems with the engine. I like it, it's got plenty of oomph for my commuting.

It is a bit thirsty, but that's a typical Ford truck for ya.

 

Well you are going to get a million different opinions. My experience is that the 4.2 is totally adequate for any rated bed load or trailer up to about 3,000 pounds. My '01 4.2 has been flawless; gets 19 mpg consistently (back to back fills); doesn't use a drop of oil between 5M changes. Just stay away from '97s and '98s that had a gasket flaw. It sounds like you intend to use your vehicle as a truck and not for stoplight grands prix so you should be fine with the 4.2. By the way, my truck is a 4x4 as well. I don't regret the 4.2 at all. Great motor.

 

Well here's my two cents. We have four parts runner trucks here at work with the V-6. All are 01 F150's and all have over 300k on them with only oil changes and starters and water pumps etc. None of them have ever had to be torn into and believe me parts trucks get driven hard! I think they are a prety stout little engine.

 

I have several friends with 4.2 five-speed trucks. None of them are even remotely easy on their trucks. When they are driven, they are driven hard . One guy has just over 200,000 miles his truck and he even sprays nitrous on it. Everything I've seen shows them to be extremely reliable...

 

The 4.2L is a very reliable engine (mine has 133K) and has always been there when needed in "those" kinds of situations. A 4.6L will give a *little* more but you seem to know exactly what you need for your truck so if all you need is the 4.2L, rest assured, you should get out of it what you are thinking.

 

Thanks for the replies. My main concern with the 4.2 is the things I've heard about the timing chain cover leaking coolant into the case. So I guess that's only a problem with the '97s and '98s? Good to know.

 

I have a 1997 F150 4x4 that has over 300,000 miles! The motor is good for truck use. with the right gears you will be OK. My truck has 33x12.50-16.5 tires and 4.55 gears. I have been ruff on this truck it's whole life. I now have to rebuild the motor, because I let my brother borrow it. The 4.2 has good power but remember it was not intended to to a 30' travel trailer. Thanks Bro.

 

my old truck had a 4.2 in it. I have to agree with everybody else on this topic, super tough V6, I redlined that thing so many times, messin round. Gave it absolute hell. And if you ever have to tow anything light it'll do it. Mine had the 5spd and traction diff 3.55 gears, towed my 3000 lbs worth of fairlane and 2000 lbs worth of trailer over 400 miles from Nashville to Mobile, Alabama........not a hint of any kind of problem. dident like the hills much tho Far exceeded my expectatons for a 6 cylinder. Damn good truck.

 

The '97s were the truck with the Intake Gasket problems in which the antifreeze would leak in a cylinder (#4 usually).

However, my truck did not have this particular problem. As you stated though, I had a bad timing chain gasket which was leaking antifreeze into the engine. It cost me about $950.00 but they also replaced the timing chain (had 111k on it then), gasket and the chain tensioner along with some other tune-ups (plugs & wires, fuel filter, oil change, etc.)

However, all that said, the truck has ran *perfectly* before and after that. Hell, even during that episode, she ran great....I was just needing to refill antifreeze about once a month!

If you do some preventitive (spelling?) maintenance, the truck will be nice to you!

Good luck in your decision.

 

Thanks for all the help. I bought an '02 2wd supercab with the V6 and AT. So far I really like it. Only 36k miles. I've almost hit 20mpg with it too. The biggest reason I switched from my Toyota was because the seats were killing my back. My new truck feels like a Cadillac.

 

I can tell you with all honesty that the 4.2 is a great engine... If you get a 1998. The 1997 had major seal issues but those 1998s were fixed with bigger seals so my f150 which I use to pull Hottubs 4 times a week runs like a top and doesn't burn a drop of oil and has no leaks.. Best of all it's all original and has 177,456 miles. This engine is bullet proof and contrary to what is stated above the 4.6 is junk better off going for the 5.4. I have had both of these cars and trust me 4.2 if 98 or newer is a fantastic motor that I would compare reliability to toyota. Very simplistic design. But stay clear of those 4.6s they don't give much more pulling power for the loss of 2 mpg.

 

Check post dates, you just replied to a nine year old thread.