Bullfrog,you need to replace the lower intake gaskets ASAP! Check the drivers side valve cover for a decal that tells the build date of your engine.If it is dated before 1/15/98,you have problems.Not only can your lower intake gaskets be bad,but also your timing cover gasket! All your answers are at this website;
www.leakingfords.com
Also,check out the V6 forums on these sites;
www.fordtrucks.net
www.fordtruckenthusiasts.com
Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Well, the build-date on the valve-cover is 8/13/97...I never found this build date on the site so, am I just scaring myself? Then again, the coolant HAS to be going somewhere, and there's not a drop on my driveway. I didn't find any coolant in the oil when I drained it (at the same time I changed the plugs), but there was some "congealed-oil" (look and consistancy of snot) inside the add-spout and on the botom of the oil-fill cap, but that could be normal or so I've read.

I'm thinking of starting with a pressure test, then go from there on the manifold gaskets. Good idea, or should I just have em replaced for piece of mind?

So, am i crazy to be concerned about the 8/13/97 build-date? And before I forget, Thank you for your quick response. I think I'm going to enjoy this site!

-Jeremiah

 

I was going to suggest a pressure check first. But,be aware that if the gaskets are weak the test will blow them out,which,in a way is what you want.
About the build date,ide be concerned about the timing cover gasket too! Good luck and keep us posted!

 

My 97 4.2 has 110,000 miles and is in the shop because it sounds like somone is inside my engine beating on it w/ a HAMMER!!! That enigne is making the loudest noises ive heard from a vehicle, now i think that the main bearing has went out, but i dont know forsure, I should know within the next few days because they are rebuilding the engine completely. It just makes me really mad, because i was just goin to put a 4.6 in my truck but that engine wont bolt up on my tranny and those 4.2 are so scarce that they want an arm and leg for one, so i just hired a very good mechanic to rebuild it and find out what is making that sound, becuase to be honest its embarrassing to even drive the truck down the road!!!

 

Well, I'm willing to bet you threw a rod by the sound. Imagine a 1-2 lb piece of metal rotating fleely inside the block, hitting and bouncing off everything in reach. Sound like that?

Sorry to hear about that though...I'm about to replace my gaskets myself before that happens to me too. Good luck on the rebuild!

 

Bullfrog,you are skating on thin ice! You better get those gaskets changed ASAP! I dont want to see your post one of these days,saying your 4.2 bit the dust! Just keep an eye on that coolant level! The moment you see it drop,even just a little bit,pull your plugs and see if any cylinders are filled with coolant! Keep us posted as to when you get them replaced!

:santa:

 

Blueoval, do you have any other suggestions / advise, other than what I previously listed. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Brad

 

Other then getting the gaskets replaced ASAP, I would check the coolant level before starting the truck each time.Keep in mind there is a cold level and a hot level.I wish you the best of luck!

:santa:

 

Gaskets are on the way. Probably be doing the job Christmas weekend or the following weekend. NO more coolant loss as so far; might have been it was judt low when I bought it? Dunno, but for piece of mind, I'm replacing them!

 

Please see my previous post on page 4. My engine is already ruined. I was wondering if you have any additional advise about how to get compensation & repairs done at little or no cost to me. I've filed with many organizations, and if that all fails, I'm going to initiate a civil lawsuit against the local dealer (Borgman Ford). Someone told me about the Ford "goodwill" program that they don't want anyone to know about, where they pay about 80%. I'm still checking on that one.

Thanks,
Brad

 

My Build date rubbed off the sticker... I it located anywhere else?

 

Either on the driver-side valve cover (white sticker) or inside the driver-side door (by the latch).

 

As you know,the 97 was the first year for the 4.2V6,so that means the engine could have been built anywhere from late 95 to late 96.The decal on the door pillar is only a build date for the truck itself,not the engine.
Do you know if the timing cover gasket was replaced under the recall? It was for 97 4.2V6s only.

 

The recall was done on mine. Hope the truck holds out until tax season.

 

Having a bad Ford day and need some advice. I’m the original owner 97 F 150 4.2 V six.

Had a Hydro-lock but was to dumb to realize it. I thought it was a starter problem and backed up the motor using a socket on the lower pulley. I heard a bang when it did start and saw the big cloud out the tail pipe. It clacked like it had a noisy lifter and as I was a long way from home on vacation in Calgary headed home to Winnipeg. The oil looked good Temperature was fine, oil pressure normal, gas mileage the same as the trip out and other than that paint-can noise I made it home OK. 13 hundred Km at 110 K .The trucks eight years old with only 103000 Kilometers not miles on it. The clacking is not any worse now than when I left Calgary

What have I done? What is that clacking noise? How long can I drive it like that?
My antifreeze was down a little when I arrived in Calgary.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Ken Charleton
Charleton@rainyday.ca