Hello All,

This afternoon I went to start my truck and nothing. So I did a few tests. I took the spark plugs out, and put paper towels outside of the holes to see if it squirted any water when I turned it over, and it didn't. Next I drained all the oil to see if it had any water in it, and once again it didn't. The coolant did look like it went down a hair. Any thoughts, suggestions? Should I try and start it? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Patty,did the motor turn over before you took the plugs out? Or afterwards?When did you check the coolant level last,and how much had it gone down since?

 

Patty,
When you say it did "nothing" do you mean literally nothing ?
No starter engagement, no engine turn over? Nothing?
Since you have verified no fluid in the cylinder(s), it should be safe to attempt to start it again. That is, assuming no liquid has leaked into the cylinder(s) since you removed and replaced the plugs.
What model year is it? How many miles on it?
Any more info you can provide?

 

When I tried to start it there wasn't any activity. It didn't turn over or anything. Since then I have put new plugs and oil in it. Coolant level seemed to be down just a smidge. Then I started it. It seem to run great, so I think paranoia got the best of me. I have hydrolock on the brain from all the research I have done. It is at the mechanic right now to get the state inspection. It is running lean so I told them to check that out along with a loud popping noise when shifting. I think it may be a universal joint. Any opinions?

 

That is good news Patty. For future reference, damage from a hydrolocked motor will occur once you turn the key to "start" and the starter tries to turn the engine over. If everything is just right , well actually just wrong, you'll have liquid leaked into a cylinder that is on the compression stroke, meaning both intake and exhaust valves are closed. The engine can't compress the water like it does air, so something metal breaks or bends.
But, that didn't happen to you, and that is a good thing.
Best of luck getting everything else squared away.

 

Thank you for the info Brian. I am sorry I forgot to tell you the truck info. It is a 97 F-150 with 129,000 miles. Body and interior is in perfect shape. I have a couple pics in my gallery.

 

Patty,if the truck is in very good shape like you say,and the engine is strong,no oil leaks,oil burning,then I would have the lower intake gaskets replaced.Do you know if the timing chain cover gasket was ever changed under the recall? You can call your local Ford dealer and give them your VIN to run an "oasis" on your truck.This will tell if it ever was done by Ford,along with any other recalls.Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Patty,
I had you pegged as a Patty, short for Patricia. I checked your gallery and see it's short for Patrick.
The early 4.2 motors were susceptable to gasket failure. As BOF mentioned, it is worth checking into. If never done, it might not be a bad idea to have lower intake and timing chain cover gaskets repalced. Not cheap for sure, but far less than having to replace a motor.
I'll keep tabs on the "running lean" condition you posted about.

 

thats a nice lookin truck man, i got a lead on one just like it body and color wise but its got the v-8 4x4 lariat all power for $4500....i hope your engine is ok man it'd be a shame to ruin a truck that nice

 

Thanks James. Th engine is ok for now. I think I am going to get the gaskets replaced in the near future so I don't have to be paranoid. $4,500.00 is a good deal! How many miles?