After seeing so many 4.2s going to sh*t,I took AJs and TallToms advice and went and had my lower intake gaskets changed at 79K miles.And i'm glad i did because the Ford tech told me mine was a ticking timebomb and i was very lucky i got it done.The lower intake has 14 bolts holding it down.Of the 14,7 were less than or just at hand tight!The rest were torqued anywhere from 9-15 in. lbs.Ford says the torque should be at least 22in.lbs!This is one of the reasons these gaskets are going bad.And when you see the new replacement gaskets they are twice as thick!What is Ford trying to hide?My advice to anyone with a 97 4.2V6,GET THE LOWER INTAKE GASKETS CHANGED!!!!! I am very fortunate and i thank AJ and TallTom for all there advice on this problem!

 

yeah, then your only problem might be a leaking head gaskets ,blown plugs, or piston slap. All of wich ford would say the same thing. "what? our motors have piston slap and leaking head gaskets? that's the first i heard of it, thanks for calling" lol. I don't blame you at all for feeling the way you do. I love my F-150, but I will not be blinded by brand loyalty. If it devolops some serious problem down the road that was common to my model year, I'd probably spend my money on another brand. That is the only way these manufacturers will get their quality up, if they lose sales.

 

I love my 4.2 and to be honest it picks up quit well, maybe because its manual and I take the tach to 4 - 4,500 rpms between shifts but it has some *****.

As far as them Chevy truck guys, screw-em. Ask them to pay attention to commericals on TV that have tow-trucks in them and ask what brand the truck is. I seen a commerical last night about a ricer, like lasting for 6 years and all of a sudden the lady runs out of gas and is on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, and wouldn't you know it a Ford F250 shows up to help this poor women stranded in her F'n ricer on the side of the road.

I have also pointed out to my Chevy confused friends to look around town and other towns. My Lord what do I see for tow truck, ambulances (sp?), Fire trucks (reg. trucks, not big red) Forest trucks, etc all FORDS baby...

About 3 weeks ago I am coming home, back here they have alot of people in the volentary fire department, anyway heres this guy broke down on the side of the road on his way to a fire in his Chevy Sileridontknow, thumping for a ride. I stoped to give him a ride and on the way he tells me he just traded in his toyota because it gave him problems and now this. He goes on to tell me how Fords suck, and I stop to tell him as he gets out, its a Ford that got you to the fire, and oh by the way at least your flashers worked in your silveridontknow Chevy...