I am looking at getting a 1997, 4.2L V6 4x4 with just 77k miles (very soon).
I see there are what seem like a lot of issues with the 4.2 V6 engine.
If I buy the truck & have the head gasket & lower intake gasket replaced when I buy it will this almost eliminate most of the problems?
Does anyone know approx how much it will cost for a dealer to replace both of these gaskets?


Thanks guys.

 

get a v8, 6 cyl are not powerful, inefficeint, and not great on gas either, youd be better off gettin a 4.6 or 5.4

 

I have found a really good deal on a V6, so at the moment i dont have that option.
If you know of any V8 XLT F-150's with the Flareside (or XLT F-250's), stick shift, 4x4, under 100K miles & under $8000 then please let me know. If not then I still need the info about the V6

 

The head gaskets are ok on these engines.Replace the lower intake gaskets and the engine will be as good as new.Ford charges 4.5 hours labor plus parts.$500.00 should cover it.

 

Thats better news.
So getting the lower intake gaskets done giving it a good service & it will be set for a few more years? I only do about 7k mile per year.

Anything else I should know or look out for on the 1997 4x4 V6?

 

Yes, your new lower intake gaskets will last,as long as whoever replaces them follows the "new" torque specs.
There was a recall back in 1999 to replace the timing cover gasket on 97 4.2V6s;call Ford and ask them to run an "oasis" on the truck to see if it was replaced.