Thought I'd be ok just changing gaskets, did that this weekend. Turn motor over several times with key and all quiet, but then once plugs back in and started it bang con rod broke and making a heck of a racket.

Now a rebuild is in order

 

That Blows!!! Sorry To Hear About It.

 

If you need a gasket set (upper head set) contact me

 

OK newbie here. Did a search and still came up blank. Alright I just Got a 98 F150 with its 4.2 in the bed instead of under the hood. So im putting it back together and I keep seeing this hydrolock term. why? I understand how it works. Cylinder fills with a fluid, but what seems to be the problem with these engines and which fluid is it? More importantly what can be done to prevent it? Oh and I sent you an email madmike

 

These engines were mass produced to keep up with the competition. The only way to prevent it is to do an upper gasket set, or replace the entire engine.

 

If engine is in bed then definately change your intake gaskets before you put in truck MUCH MUCH easier. Also check engine build date on drivers side valve cover to see if you need to change front cover gasket also.

I finally got the head off tonite and confirmed either broken con rod or wrist pin. Was able to push #2 piston down with no effort other than the rings of course. Sat will pull oil pan and check for severity of damage. Trust me this sucks with engine in truck.

If it's just #2 con rod and no block damage, I'm just fixing it and letting it ride. Cylinder walls are in exellent shape for 104k miles.

 

Definitely will replace all gaskets, bearings and seals as well as the timing chain and oil pump. the cylinders look good still have the crosshatch. Does anyone know of a company that sells an overhaul kit? Need a piston and con-rod as well. i was going to gasket match the heads but damn im kind of scared to touch them now they seem kind of delicate

 

If You shop around, you will find all the kits that you need...

Auto Parts Giant

Northen Auto parts

are two that I used to use quite often.

I have been quoted up $4000.00 to swap out My engine, that would include a reman motor, hoses, and belts.

I'm in southestern MI, Downriver area.

If you want to tackle the job on you're own,

Michigan Engine exchange will sell you the lower crank kit for around $375.00 exchange, but you have to call in advance to place your order, from what I was told, this 4.2 is one hot commodity.

 

Looks like a good site for parts. I was hoping I could get everything I needed for an overhaul in one shot. Dont want to step on any Ford toes but its a lot easier to find parts kits for my chevy motor than it is for my ford. But I digress I have a lot of shopping to do. Thanks for the help fellas.

(Or maybe I should slap a chevy motor in it )

 

I agree Chevy parts easier to find and alot cheaper too

 

Found a place with a few different 4.2 kits. Prices seem pretty reasonable as well. Too bad I found it after I ordered my parts. D'oh!

 

You went ahead and ordered the upper head set (gasket) even after I advertised it????????

ooooooooooooooooooooo noooooooooooooooooooooo

 

Yeah, I thought it would have been gone by now. I paid 180 for it. I still need to get the timing set, and a piston, need to find out if I can reuse the connecting rods. I didnt realize they were the cracked style till I broke 'em apart. Soooooo, anybody have any experience with these conrods?