Anyone have luck getting Ford to pay for this repair after warranty is up? So far the oil does not appear to be contaminated but i've stopped driving it just be safe. My 97 4.2 F150 has just started leaking at 86000k / 50000m. Dealer tells me my truck isn't covered under recall 99b29.

 

They're full of it. Your truck is covered by the recall regardless of mileage. I'd find another dealership. You've done the right thing by not driving it!

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1997 XLT Reg. Cab, 4.2L V6, 5spd, Superchipped, K&N Air Filter, Lund Deflector, Dash Mat, MagnaFlow Muffler, Hellwig Rear Sway Bar, Edelbrock Shocks, Duraliner, Extang Saber Tonneau, Painted Tailgate Handle, Bell-Tech 2" Rear Drop, Amer. Rac. Atlas Wheels Clad in 275/60/17 Eagle GTII. Likes straightaways, loves twisties.
1996 Shovie Cavalier (Don't laugh, it can lay down 30' of posi-rubber if you dump the clutch just right!)

 

Yes, they are full of it. I had mine done at 80K miles.

Frank S, got any pics of your truck?

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1997 F-150 XL, 4.2L 5spd
Mods: 16x8 Centerline wheels, 285/60/16 Goodyear Eagle GT IIs, Flowmaster, K&N, tint, alarm, billet grille, clear corners, carpet, Kenwood CD w/Infinity speakers, 60/40 seats, and a 5hp "Ford Racing" sticker on the back window.

 

Sorry Kirby, no pics yet. I'm kinda pic iliterate you might say. lol.

 

I got mine back from the shop about 2 weeks ago. Ford did pay for it, even the rental.
Better check with sombody else. Mine had 57xxx mi. on it Don't let'em get away without making things right. Good luck.

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97 std. long bed
cat back
soon to have 4 in.drop w/4link @ panhard rod

Pretty plain mono-chrome white.

 

I can smell antifreeze, but there is not any signs of leakage. I took it to the dealership down here in SC and they said that the recall only effected northern states where is gets real cold. Any thoughts on the legitimacy of this claim, or are they tryin to get me w/o any lube?

 

My Dealer did'nt even put up a fight about it at all.. they went straight to work and fixed my recall for free.. I did have to leave my truck there for some time until the leak appeared but besides that.. it went smooth..

My suggestion to you is to go to the Ford site, sign up on thier membership/owner program (free) and enter your VIN# into thier system, they will send you recall notices in the mail shortly thereafter..

I know it's kinda short-pressed for time here, but that's something you should do reguardless..

also, you can go to the engines section and do a search for "HELP" or "TIMING COVER" and you should find a post I put up there from a while ago where someone posted the official letter from Ford stating that this recall would be done for free as a response..

hope this helps

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97 F150 XLT: Two-Tone Green and Tan,V6 4.2L auto 4X4, 3.55 gears
MODS:Airaid FIPK, Superchip, Ravin Z55 exhaust SI/SO
GOODIES:12 disk cd changer, jvc 4ch 560watt poweramp, Bazooka tube, Boston Acoustic 5x9's, Tinted Back..


[This message has been edited by patrickjp (edited 03-15-2001).]

 

f150degrees: You're dealer is wrong. I live in GA and the recall was done. I'd go to another dealer or talk to the General Manager of that dealer to get it done.

 

Have '97 4.2 and I don't have any leak yet. But last spring i went to two different dealerships to ask about the timing gasket recall and both said that my engine was made after the cut off date on the recall and therefore the engine already had the new modified gasket. Go figure?

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1997 4.2L F-150 XLT supercab

 

Just took my truck to a local dealer. They said that my timing cover is leaking coolant, but that it was not covered by any recall. The price to fix the leak is $500 for parts and labor!!
How hard would this be to fix myself. I am pretty mechanical, but have not worked on these new Ford engines. Been a chevy owner till now.
Going to call another dealership close and see what they say. Actually considered trading the truck off on a 95XLT x-cab, but they wanted $15000 w/96,000 miles!!

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97 F-150XL 4.2V6, 5 spd, 2wdlb, Kenwood cd, MTX 4ch amp, MTX 12"sub, MTX components in doors

Future 16x8 Daytona wheels, 265/75 tires, rhinoliner, perf stuff

 

Just had another dealer check the VIN for my truck. Says it was probably built after new gaskets were installed. Then why is mine leaking?
If I do end up having to do this myself, has anyone done this? I have a Haynes manual, but haven't messed with all the electronic crap on these trucks. I am a little reluctant, but I also can't afford $500! There goes my wheels and tires!

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97 F-150XL 4.2V6, 5 spd, 2wdlb, Kenwood cd, MTX 4ch amp, MTX 12"sub, MTX components in doors

Future 16x8 Daytona wheels, 265/75 tires, rhinoliner, perf stuff

 

I can't believe some of these lying dealerships. Mine (a Lincoln dealer) told me that "all" 97 f150's with the 4.2 was in the recall. Don't know what to tell you except maybe they might split the cost 50/50 with you.

 

I just had my timing cover gasket replaced on my '97. I only have 26,000 on it. The dealer said I was lucky, because Ford is paying full replacement costs until 31 March, 2001. I don't know how much truth there is to this, but I do trust my dealer.

By the way, they did a full safety inspection, and undercarriage inspection for free. (And the service manager dug my self-modified airbox!!)

I guess score one for Ford.

If you want to come to a dealer with good service Try Nelson's Cloquet Ford Chrysler Center in Cloquet, MN. I am sure you won't be dissapointed.

 

I have a question. I am wondering if anybody knows what the cut-off dates are for these new gaskets. I can't exactly remember the month my truck was built, but it was one of the first being built I believe mid '96. How long has this recall been out? I bought it in June of this year. Is it possible it was fixed before I bought it? If not, is there any way to have the new gaskets put in under recall even if there hasn't been any leaking to it, to prevent myself from having to pay for it later on if it starts?

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1997 Ford F-150 Reg. cab Flareside 4x4.
4.2 V-6 5 spd.
Mods:Flowmaster muffler.
Big red Ford oval on
black tinted back
window
Up and coming:
supercharger
Gibson Exhaust
16x8 rims w/285/75R16's
Stainless Steel Nerfbars

 

Mine was built in November '96 and is part of the recall.