Hey all... It's been a long time since I've been on here. I'm getting ready to sign the papers on a 2006 F-150 STX with the 4.2 V6. Over the course of my driving history, I have been behind the wheel of many ford powerplants. I've owned a several of the old "bull nose" F-150s with either the 302 or 351, 95 Ranger with 4.0V6, an 06 F-150 with the 5.4 Triton V8, a 97 and an 02 with the 4.2 V6, and an 02 Explorer with 4.6 V8. Long story short, I've owned several of Ford's engines and I haven't had a single problem with any of them. From my experience, I would say that all Ford engines are solid. With that being said, I'm aware that I may have just had a run of good luck or got rid of the trucks before I had any problems. I'm just looking to find our whether or not the 4.2 V6 is as solid as I think it is. Are there any issues that I will need to look for in the future that are specific to this motor? Thanks.

 

The only issue that you might run into is intake vacuum leaks. Easily fixed with new plenum gaskets and isolator bolts. That's the only mechanical issue I've had with mine in 181k. Friend of mine had an 07 with a 4.2, no engine issues but his brake rotors kept warping. He gave up and traded it on a Toyota.

The 06 is pretty heavy - it's going to be kinda sluggish, especially with an automatic.

 

The 4.2 is. Good dependable motor but with any of them, it depends on its previous maintenance.

 

I've put 100k on my 08. It runs great.

Had a warped harmonic balancer replaced some years ago under warranty. Also had to replace the intake gasket that was sweating a little.

The engine still runs just like the day I got it with 3 miles on it.

 

I am just shy of 40k on my '08 4.2 but it's never given me a lick of engine trouble. I am still running the original battery as well!
Is the '06 your looking at an auto or manual trans?

 

It's an 06 STX, Regular cab automatic... The previous two 4.2s I've owned were in with manual trans. I ended up buying the truck last night and so far, 100 miles later, it feels just as peppy as the 4.6V8 that I just got rid of.