Hi all,

I'm going to have to replace my '97 F-150 XL's 4.2L just like the thousands of other unfortunates who've suffered from hydraulic lock-ups due to leaking head/manifold gaskets.

It's got 11500 mi (185000km) on it but the knocking number 1 connecting rod and telltale white puffs of smoke can't be ignored. Have it in the shop right now and they want 3000.00 bucks for a used moter.

What's the best and least expensive course of action here? Since neither of the two mechs that have looked at it want to crack it apart and fix it at a reasonable cost, I'm opting for an engine swap.

I'm shopping and would like to know which year is going to serve me best (98?) and can I grab just any 4.2L and slap it in? It's my understanding that there are two types; one with 4 mains (8 bolts) and one with 3 mains (6 bolts).

Since I'm going to the scrapyard, what other vehicles would use the same moter as my F-150?

Sorry if I sound like a noob, but I haven't cracked open a motor since I rebuilt my 78's 350M and I need a little guidance from the experts.

My specs are:
1997 F-150 XL
4.2L
Automatic Trans
2 Wheel Drive

 

I looked up your truck on KBB. it is worth between $2200-$3100 if you sell it yourself. Probably a lot less on a trade.

You need to ask yourself if it is worth fixing. Even if you could find a motor for $1000, it'd still cost a lot in labor to have it swapped.

If you do all the labor yourself, it wouldn't be such a bad thing, but if you can't, it might pay to put the $2000-3000 with your trade on a newer model.

 

I wanna fix it since I can pick up a good used motor with low mileage in a wreck at the insurance auction for under a grand.

That's why I'm asking which motors will fit. Don't wanna buy a wreck for the motor and find out it won't fit my truck.

You're right, it's not vary valuable but it's just the wrong time to buy a new truck.

 

Pretty sure 97-99 will all work, though I can't recall what year they fixed the gasket issue. obviously you don't want to put a motor in that has the same problem down the road.

Just for info:

I did all the research last summer and decided to go with a rebuilt from Rhinoengines. They had the best price and a 100k/3yr warrantee and were very easy to deal with. Did the swap for less than $2000 after replacing a few extras like new waterpump, plugs, timing housing (stupidly broken during dissasembly), serpentine belt, clutch, and one or two other things can't remember at the moment.

 

sounds like a good deal. I am helping my father swap in a rebuilt 300-6 into his F250, and it is gonna to run pretty close to $2000.