Hi,

I hear that the 1997 4.2 6 Cyl Ford Engine has a design flaw that causes premature engine failure. What is the problem?

Rick

 

I've never heard of that. Some 97-98 4.6 on the other hand, had a problem with the oil journals clogging causing a main bearing falure.

 

Main problem w/ '97 and early '98 engines was:
lower intake manifold gasket and/or timing chain cover gasket failure.

Lots of info in the 4.2 Forum.
Come visit us.

 

I think that you are hearing from people that had this same engine in earlier form such as the version that was in the Windstar. My wife had a Windstar that blew a head gasket at 100,000 miles and Ford sent a letter admitting the problem.

Supposedly the engine has been completely redone since then and has worked out fine. I personally didn't take the chance and have had really good service from my 4.6.

I think you can drive a 4.2 now days with confidence as long as you give it proper care as you should any engine.

Good luck,

 

Thank you for your response. Did Ford pay for the repair to your windstar engine. I have taken excellant care of this F150. All recommended maintenance plus changing all other fluids every 50,000. I was taken care of this truck to go 300,000 but it can't be done if Ford has a design problem. How can we get Ford to step up to the line and take care of their errors? Rick

 

In the case of my wifes Windstar, she drives about 35,000 miles per year, so 100,000 miles came up very quick. This happened on Friday night before Thanksgiving. I had taken three days vacation so that I could have a week off to spend with the family. Instead I started tearing the car apart on Monday and got it back together Saturday. I took the heads to be checked, straightened and a valve job on them before I put them back on. With 100,000 miles there was no warranty coverage so I didn't even try to get anything from them.

Then, not long after we traded the Windstar for a new Toyota Four Runner that has been an excellent vehicle. Some time later we got a letter from Ford saying that the engine in our van has known head gasket issues and that if we have trouble they will take care of it for us at no charge. By that time I didn't even know where the machine shop and parts receipts were and the labor (about 30 hours) was all mine, so I never responded.

Now, all that said, since the engine has supposedly been redone, and I am pretty confident that it has been, those head gasket issues should not remain and so I don't expect that it would be covered. I don't think it's anything to worry about as long as you don't let it overheat and take care of it properly.

Good luck,
Doc
ASE Master

 

Before I bought my 97 F150 4.2 5spd, I remember researching the problem you are talking about with the v6. There were problems with the early motors, and there are several horror stories on the forum. Most people had the fixes applied by Ford and those older trucks(like mine) have held up well. I think that you can go to the dealer and have them check by your truck's VIN to see what has been done by all Ford dealerships to that truck. Good truck, Good motor, would buy another one in a heartbeat.