I'm wanting a full size instead of my current ranger.
I know the earlier 4.2 had lots of problems with coolant leaking into the cylinders resulting in major damage.
When was this ironed out? Do the 04 and newer trucks still have problems with this engine?
Thanks for any thoughts.

 

As far as I know, the 4.2 never had enough bolts to hold the cylinder head down (making head gaskets a problem), and had leak problems with intake manifold and front cover gaskets. They may have improved the gaskets near the end of production, but the engine was a total dog in a 5000 lb+ full sized truck or van. The 4.6 has much more power and gets better gas mileage. We drove a 4.2 van in 2003 before I bought mine and I sure would not have wanted the 4.2. Even the 4.6 will struggle if you run heavy loads.

They eliminated the 4.2 in the full size vans circa 2003 and they sure did not make many 04+ F150's with them. I'm surprised that they made any...

Even if you are lucky and don't have engine problems, it simply is not the right engine for a full sized truck or van.

George

 

They were available in the F-150 through '08. My '07 has never been any kind of problem. There were also a few 5-speed manuals with the 4.2 in case that interests you. I'd have to say a 4.6 or 5.4 V8/auto will be a much more satisfactory truck. I don't care about that because the thing is just a third vehicle for me and something to take sticks to the landfill with when I get happy with the cutting tools.