Hi!

I recently spotted the 4.2 F150 (probably a used 2WD '97 one) as a potential pick for a pickup (no pun intented )

Fact that it seems to have a wider bed with a .1 smaller engine than most other mid-sized pickups (Chevy, GMC, Dodge at 4.3) is quite interesting. And if Ford still builds some quality stuff, I think their truck is what it is. I plan to buy a truck so I can stash a little 14' aluminum boat in it, without having to buy a trailer for now.

I've done the math about fuel costs often on paper, but I'm trying to get real here. This is my first vehicle, and I know paper and official published MPG often conflicts with reality.

I know this is probably a question with many possible answers, but what should I expect for monthly gas bills with a V6 4.2L/2WD?

I plan to make something like 13k miles a year, my workplace is like 5mins of highway from home and I don't think I'll go and make city crawling with the beast unless I really need to.

Is 180-200$ USD realistic or am I overly optimistic? How much does the truck guzzle from you ? And what do you do with it ?

Thanks for any kind of answer

 

I get about 16-18 MPG. When I first got the 2002 ext cab I was spending about $40 to fill up (maybe less?), but then it jumped up to $70+ and now it's down to about $50 per fill up. I get about 365-400 miles to a tank (~22 gallons per fill-up) and usually fill up about once every week and a half, but this really depends on the amount of driving I do. I'd say usually I spend about $150 a month on gas, but if I make a drive to Houston then it's $100+ right there.

My daily driving is at least 30+ miles (M-F and likely Sat and Sun).

BTW look into the specfic engine as the 97-98s had some serious problems.

 

I'm getting between 17-19 mpg hwy and 14-16 city.A couple of weeks ago I got 21 mpg due to road construction on the interstate I drive on and the speed limit was only 50-55 mph.I fill up every 2 weeks and just recently paid $41.00 for almost 22 gallons.
As Hazard said,be careful of the 97s and early 98s;they have lower intake gasket and timing cover gasket issues!

 

Hey, thanks for taking the time to answer guys!

Were the problems you described about the 97-98 models subject to recalls? Is it likely that 10 years or so after, these problems were already fixed ? If not, are these repairs costy?

Have a good weekend!

ON EDIT: Seems like 97 is model change. So I'd be better and safer with a '96, right?

 

The only gasket that was recalled was the timing cover gasket on the 97 4.2s.
If the previous owner knew about the lower intake gaskets then they might have had them replaced.If not,and you buy the truck,i'de replace them.The cost is about $300-$500,depending where you have it done.
Other then that,the 97s and 98s are great trucks!

 

Is there any way to tell if the previous owner changed the intake gasket? I have a 4.2 built in late 97, but don't know the history. The gasket looks pretty clean and new for a 97. Is there anything I should be looking for?

 

On the intake gasket there is (or should be) a tab about 1/2' by 3/4 wide its black, it's located in the front corners, you should be able to cut a piece off with cutting pliers and measure it's thickness, I believe the stocks are 3mm and the replacement is 4mm

 

Great thanks, that helps. I'll check it out.

 

If you're losing coolant thats another sign.Get them replaced ASAP!

 

Im getting near 18 with mostly all city driving and alot of stomping the gas. So far ive gone 260 miles on this tank and its to the right of 1/4. Im assuming I have a 23 gallon tank

 

Mine sees about 80%hwy and 20%city. Approx 25% of hwy are stop and go. My lowest ever was 18.3mpg. Average was 19mpg.

 

So if I understand correctly, the symptoms of these failing gaskets will be overheating? (and also "rods" than can break, from other forums I've read)

If automotive mechanic newbies (like me ) are reading this, I found something that seems to show where there are located. Don't ask me if the V6 4.2 has them at the same place though.

EDIT: Wow, this is scary...

 

So a 4mm gasket depth means it's been replaced? Mine is 4mm black plastic. I guess I should be good. I'll keep two eyes on the coolant anyway.

 

According to Wikipedia, this is a problem (bad front cover gaskets) that was limited to the ones manuf. at the Essex plant.

Punch in your VIN in Carfax, and you'll know where it's from.

Nonetheless, make sure everything's ok

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Es...anadian%29#4.2

 

Don't forget Wikipedia can be edited by anyone and everyone---but te information sounds legit in this case. As for milage--I get anywhere from 17-23mpg. I do mostly city driving, less than one mile per day--ie: .5 mi each way. As a volunteer firefighter, I occasionally kill my milage by shifting at crazy high RPM's. But even still, look at my economy. My on;y mods are a K&N air filter (not even the naturally aspirated, just the high flow conical shaped replacement filter) and high performance oil. (Maybe it's such great mileage b/c I have a standard trannie--5 speed all the way!!!)

My advice--don't get a 97 or 98 that has the bad gasket. Other than that, change the oil & filter, air filter, keep your tires at a good level (I usually go 42 psi front and 38-40 psi rear ona a 44psi max cold fill)
Also, using STP can help if used occasionally.

Good luck