I bought this truck used but in good condition. The Ford employee I bought it from said the reason the engine light was on was the oxygen sensors failed and he didn’t want to go through the expense of changing them. Well that light bothers me and I have spent the last year trying to get it to go off. The two codes are EGR system and cylinder misfire. For the EGR I have replaced every engine EGR part I could find and cleaned the intake ports. For the misfire I have replaced the plugs, wires, and coil pack. The old Coil pack had green corrosion on some of the contacts and after 4 months the new coil pack has the same. The codes always return after a power down. The symptoms are uneven idle and some bucking when it shifts gears around 30 mph. I now realize this is a Bast_ _ _ engine for Ford but any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, First time poster from Michigan

 

ive actually read that the 4.2l v6 was one of fords best (aside from the 97 and 98 with the headgasket issue)

 

like tj said, the 4.2L was Ford's best engine ever. very reliable. grant it it does have issues, but they are all fixable. take it to a dealership and get them to do a diagnostic test on it, and give you their recomendations. and do it yourself!!

 

Right behind the 7.3L Powerstroke and 3.0L Vulcan...

 

7.3 is the unspoken hero of diesel owners! hopefully I will be able to find one when it comes time for me to get another truck...or just take my padre's....

 

In a couple years I'd love to get one for a true worktruck and tow rig.

 

I think the 4.9L inline-6 was one of the best as far as reliability goes (yes, over the 4.2L).

Too bad they don't have it as an option anymore.

 

I can think of 3 reasons why they dropped it.

1. It would have needed a redesign to stay compliant with tighter emissions regulations.
2. EPA gas mileage numbers are not good.
3. It's a long engine and it would not have been an easy fit into the 97+ body style. The V6 and V8 are already tucked part way under the firewall.