I'm looking for a second hand 2wd F150, My last two F150 both had 300 six so motor worries were never a thought. My question is what year of 4.2 has the gasket problem solved from factory? and once solved is this new (To me) 4.2 six long living.

I'm even Leary of a 4.2 that had the gasket changed because there is no telling if the damage has already been done.


I could just play it safe with a V8 but there are just to many good looking 4.2 F150s deals out there to count them out.

Tanks
Tim

 

The 97 and 98 model 4.2's had the gasket issue. The latter years were fixed.

 

From this link from a person named "BlueOvalFitter" He says that the lower intake gasket on a few 99 f-150s he knows of, caused the 4.2 to fail also.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/sho...=&pagenumber=3

Was the cover gasket and lower intake gasket not fixed at the same time?

Which year of ford has both gasket problems solved?

 

You must also realize that not all 99 Models were made at this same time.

When they started failing no doubt some 99 models has already been made with the gasket issue, but I could be wrong. Seeing as how the fixed the problem for the 97-98's, the 99's should be totally clean. Heck, BrianA has a 2000 or 2001 (can't remember) and his went out on him but he has really high miles.

 

yea he has a 2000 with over 150K

 

Well all the F150 with the 4.2 Im looking at are 2000-2002 models with about 50,000 miles on them. These trucks are good to go then? The 4.2 is a great motor once the gasket are changed? My 1980 300 six had 250k miles on it before the truck body fell apart and never used a drop of oil. My current 94 300six has 88,000 miles on it ,I just have no clue to these newer 4.2 V6.

A six works find for me because the most I do is haul a ATV around once in awhile.

 

It appears, that aside from the gaskets, the 4.2 is a good motor.
I would not hesitate to buy a good used 2000-2005.
The normal criteria, for any used vehicle, would apply: Good mechanical condition? Any maintenance records? etc. etc.

If nothing else, buy one and budget $400 to replace the lower intake manifold gasket at 150,000 miles.

here's my story.....
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=340552

 

Also, just FYI...

The 4.2 has no where near the towing capacity of the 300 I-6. The 4.2 is faster, and it can defintaley tow an ATV around with no problem, but the I-6 is a better tower.

 

I have owned two Fords with the 300 six, and now a 2004 F150 Heritage with the 4.2 six.

This v6 is a much better engine. Much better fuel economy and better performance too.

The 300 six is a legend, no doubt about that, but it's replacement is even better.

 

The legendary high mileage durability of the 300 six was really over kill if you think about it, after all whats the point of a engine that can run for 300,000 miles trouble free if the rest of the truck is only good for half that mileage.

 

As I recall some of the earlier (97 and 98) 4.2 also liked to eat cams.... So I'd be a little leary of them.

 

I used to own a 300 six and it was a great motor. We used the truck on our farm for about 12 years then sold it, we used to pull anything you can imagine with that truck, it didnt use any oil and still had the original clutch in it when we sold it at 150,000 miles. I hope I can say the same about my 4.2 in 12 years!!

 

i would say to run from the 4.2, granted i do have the 98 and did have a blown head gasket. but even after having it fixed i have regretted not getting a v8. no power, bad fuel economy for its size, and runs poorly when its wet or cold. the 4.2 may be cheaper, but the v8 will be worth it
just my 2 cents

 

I Sell Service Parts At A Ford Dealer. I Sell More Parts
For V8 Trucks Than 4.2. A 4.2 Will Last Longer And Brake Less Than A Mod Moter.

 

you may sell less parts for the v6's, but theres a heck of a lot more v8's on the road, so obviously you sell more parts for v8's. chances are you'll get better mileage out of the v8 too, i get 11-12 city and 16 highway if i'm lucky, but its generally 14 highway
as i said before, you wont be sorry you got a v8
just my $.02