My brother has a 1997 with 4.2

Was missing and starting hard, then running better after warmed up. He added some coolant a couple of times.

You KNOW the story!!

He took it to a FORD dealership. Described the situation.

They replaced the SPARK PLUGS. "Tuned it up" and told him all was well.

A week later, it wouldn't start, so he replaced the starter.

New started was a tad stronger. It got the engine started, but now it knocks like crazy. You know what happened.

I want to go back to the dealer with some good information, such as a technical data bulletin or whatever Ford might have told dealerships about 4.2 engines made in '97. This is unacceptable that a truck taken into a dealership with the aforementioned problems was not checked out in better detail, at least in my opinion.

Sure wish I had heard this story about 4.2 gasket problems a little earlier. My 240 is not much of a performer, but it don't mis-behave like like this either.

Thanks in advance.

 

The only TSBs or recalls for that year was for the timing cover gasket. Ford really needs to address the intake gasket problem b/c that is the #1 cause of engine failure at my dealership. The program for the timing cover gasket is called 99B29 and it expired March 31, 2001. Did your brother mention the fact it was using coolant? If he did then he needs to have a little chat with the service manager. He may be able to get a refund for the plugs. Good luck.

 

Thanks. Appears there was a "TSB" for the timing cover gasket, and in it, it mentioned how the lower intake gasket was to be replaced. Hint Hint. But no TSB or recall for the lower gasket.

Guess Ford figured the folks that bought an 97-98 F-150 before 1-15-98 were just going to have to take their chances.

 

Just read through the recall and it doesn't mention replacing the intake gaskets. There is a problem with the gaskets but Ford has not recalled them.

 

TSB 99-2-7

It does not specifically "recall" the lower intake gaskets, but it certainly makes a dealer aware that there were issues with the gaskets, explains that there are re-designed gaskets available and revised torque sequences.

 

how much does it generally cost to get these lower intake gaskets replaced? Say at a dealer?

 

Not sure about a dealer.
Mine was about $400 at an independent shop.
That included gaskets, new thermostat, bead blasting the interior of the intake, and all labor charges.

 

$500.00 plus.