I just heard from a fairly reliable source that Ford is going to issue a recall on certain rear wheel drive 3.8 and 4.2 liter engines for gasket failures on the timing cover. The gasket can fail allowing coolant to contaminate the oil destroying the bottom end of the engine. Not all engines are effected by the recall.

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'93 Regular Cab XLT Shortbed, 5.0, K&N, Borla, 160,000 miles; Future Expedition owner.

 

Correct! I received the recall notice last Friday. Unfortunately, I replaced the failing gasket 6 months ago. With my truck, the gasket developed a "cold water leak", meaning that the motor had to cool down before it would leak. It only leaked approx 1/4 cup a night, and it wouldn't leak until approx. 6 hours after the last time I drove it. I tell you, it was NO fun tearing apart the front of the motor. It was worth it though, my motor doesn't leak a drop now.

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1997 F-150 XL, 4.2L V6, 5-sp, K&N, 2-ch flowmaster, dropped 2" all around, After-factory cruise, bed liner, tinted, tool box, more to come

 

What years are affected? So far I've only seen '97 owners receiving the recall notice.

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'98 F150 XL Regular Cab, LWB, 4.2L V6, 5 Spd, 3.55 LS, Rhino Lining, factory heavy duty suspension, 3" Gibson Swept Side Cat Back, K&N filter, Oxford White minus the two tone garbage. BIG TIME FoMoCo p/u fan, not some fair weather hammerhead.

 

I don't know any more info than in my original post. My understanding tho was that this is a different recall than the '97 recall.

 

My '97 4.2 just had the gasket replaced on the timing cover under factory warranty. I saw the bill that was being submitted to Ford and I think the total for parts and labor was in the neighborhood $700-$800.


JRO1

 

my letter just cames as well, but it also stated that it would reimburse me if i had already paid for the repair...you guys might want to look into that...at least get some money back...my truck is going in thursday

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97 f150 xlt sc 4.2, magnum bug deflector, gts headlight covers

 

In my 97 4.2L I have noticed a small leak I think coming from the frontof the oil pan. It only happens after I let it sit over night. When its hot it doesnt leak. Is this the same thing. What should I do.

 

The 3.8 and 4.2 recall is "Service Program Number 99B29 dtd January, 2000"- it affects
"certain '96 & '97 Mustang, TBird, Cougar, and '97 F Series".

They will "replace the engine front cover gasket and change the oil and filter". I was just going to have it fixed when I got the letter this past Saturday.

You can have this done until March 31, 2001 at no charge REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PRESENT THE LETTER!

It also says "if you have paid for "engine repairs caused by gasket leak BEFORE the date of the letter Ford is offering a refund..."