I was just informed by Ford that I must replace my engine. 97 F150 4.2L w/84K+ miles. Started having oil pressure probs over a year ago. Today, w/pressure guage in place, hit 35 psi at start up, then dropped to 0 as it warmed. Any ideas on not so expensive replacements? Ford wants $4800 + tax. I know other people with the same engine have had to replace their engines to. Does anyone have a different solution to this problem that would be more cost effective?

 

I believe that replacement would be cheaper than rebuild. There have been some links on this forum concerning used and rebuilt engines. I personally priced a rebuilt 4.2 w/a 100k warranty for $2100. Surely it would not cost another $2000+ to have it removed and replaced. Try to negotiate a flat cost for R&R.Welcome to FTE, I wish it were under better circumstances.

 

Could you pass on the info on where we could find that rebuild?

 

Welcome to FTE !!
I think Thomas is probably right, although (thank goodness!) I have never had to price a rebuild or replacement.
I have no first hand experience with Jasper and other engine remfgrs. But it wouldn't hurt to check.
Maybe you could get a short block and transfer the rest from your motor?
I think you can order a crate motor from FoMoCo. See about doing that and working out a flat rate to do a turn-key job, either thru local Ford or an independant you know and trust.
Best of luck and stick around!

 

Ford sells a long block 4.2V6 for under $2k.

 

i just had to replace my engine a month ago, burnt a cyl. i would recomend a jasper rebuilt motor, i got mine at dealer price but it was like 2500 list, comes with a 3 yr. 75,000 mile warranty, and to install it it cost me like another 1000 so like 3500 all together! just figured i'd give ya an idea of what it cost and maybe point you torawrd a really good rebuilt engine!!

tom

 

did they offer any performance rebuilt motors? If I ever need ot replace mine I am going to make sure that thing can SCOOT

 

Just for curiosity, what S.A.E. oil was use all these years or recently in you 4.2L?

5W30, 30, 40, ...

 

5W20



(had to add spaces reply was too short)

 

Yes Jimmy, your 4.2L is 2002 and use 5W20, but I think `97 like smathis as my `98 should use 5W30 and for all Ford vehicles the Owners Manual (OM) said "use only and always". If lower viscosity is used the engine will suffer by friction, otherwise if higher is used then the oil will do to engine ducts as cholesterol do to veins, after 3 years your engine will not be lubricating good enough and will runs hotter. My `98 have 95K miles running with the same temp as the first day. It is more important to use the right oil viscosity than the frequency you change it. If this is your situation, I would try this first before spend more $$, check your OM to know the right oil for your engine (or read the oil cap), maybe is not too late. I hope this help.

 

Thanks everyone for the input and great advice on remans or FoMoCo, etc. Since I purchased the truck in OCT 99 (with 30,800 miles then) each oil change was 10W30. Maybe that helped the engine's demise. 8 mos ago when the oil pressure drop started, and it was diagnosed as "possible internal engine damage" I began putting in 20W50 and that held the pressure up through cold months, but now it's getting warmer, even the heavier oil with STP added doesn't hold pressure at low rpms. Have had 2 independent mechs (one local shop and a Ford Dealer shop) both say same thing - recommend repair by replacement. Will continue my research. tks agn.

Stephen

 

FWIW,
I have run nothing but 10W30 (Shell and Chevron oil - not synthetic) since I bought my truck brand new in Feb 2000.
It is a 2000 model with 124,500 miles on it.
I have done a half dozen used oil analysis - all have been very good. 10W30 is fine for our 4.2 and will cause no harm.
That my $.02.

 

Thanks, Brian. Appreciate the feedback.

 

I agree with Brian. My 97 gets 4 quarts of Havoline dino and 2 quarts of Havoline synthetic,10W30,at every oil change! Its called "my blend".

 

5w-30 redline full syn for me..............k+n oil filter.....bout 60 bucks but the way i drive its necessary.........