Has there been any recall or tsb about a tapping noise upon startup and during the drive to the dealership? I sold my old 97 f150 w/ 4.2 to my dad and he complained about it the other day. I went over there to hear it myself and sounds like a valve but tapping pretty load. dealership thinks might be broken connector at the piston rod or worse. My dad mentioned something about $4000 for a new engine and install, or $2500 to repair, do these numbers sound right? any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

All your answers about what has happened to your 4.2 are at this website;
www.leakingfords.com