My dad is looking at a 97 Ford F150 XL 4.2L with 70,000 miles. He's interested in buying it and when I looked on the internet I'm seeing all of these problems with the 4.2L. Are they worth buying? I think its somewhere in the $7,500 range. Anything to look for that would help identify this problem? My dad isn't mechanically inclined.

thanks in advance!

 

I would check this website first;
www.leakingfords.com
If the gaskets were replaced,the engine should be ok. I had my lower intakes replaced and it runs like new,still. :santa:

 

you can prolly find a problem with any type of vehicle you buy used. they all have there problems. seems like the mass production is so refined that if 1 auto has a problem then the rest in that line will have it too.

but all things considered for the right price the 4.2 in a F-150 is a good deal. its cheaper to fix leaking intakes and front cover than it is to replace 4.6 or 5.4 headgaskets. oh yea and the 5.4s have front cover leaks sometimes too.

i saw an 01 E-150 today with 130k on it fleet truck and it had leaking lower intakes so it shows they improved the gasket but over time all the heating and cooling cycles take their toll on gaskets no matter what.

 

For any used vehicle, especially if you're not mechanically inclined, have it checked out THOROUGHLY by a trusted or recommended mechanic. Many skip this or don't want to pay the nominal fee and pay later.