I know, it depends on how it was maintained. But not knowing everything about the history, are those miles at the point where the engine is close to end of life?
Does the v-6 4.2 have a reputation for high miles?

Thanks.

 

how much can you get it for, 2 or 4 wheel drive, my 1997 has the 4.6 v8, 190.000, 4 wheel, still a daily driver , great truck no major problems, a lot of 4 wheel use, not abuse, Ill keep her till she dies, I expect another 100.00 miles on her,,,,I know different motor , I'm sure some one will chime in about that motor, son has 1994 explorer with the six, 220.000 miles, daily driver, take care of Transmission and she should keep on going, added bigger tranny cooler, still purrs, and gets up and goes great. around every where some one will chime in. Im sure with some better info,,Todd

 

I never gave much thought to the potential longevity of my 97 4.2L, but with 2 exceptions has been problem free for 100k miles. The 96 & 97 v6 motors had intake and timing cover gasket failures, usually by 50k - sometimes later. At 220k I assume the truck in question has either had the gaskets replaced, or the engine after hydro locking.
Anyway, mine is horribly under powered and doesn't get so great gas mileage (14mpg) over the past 19 years.

 

Thanks.

It's a single cab, long bed, 4x4, 5-speed. The guy says it runs great, body and interior in ok shape. He is asking $1500, and I need a cheap 4 wheel truck.

I did some research and found the intake and timing cover gasket problem for this year and engine, which scares me. But I was thinking the same thing, if the truck has 220k miles you'd think that problem would have happened by now. But ya never know. Is it possible that the gaskets have never been changed and either they will not blow, or they're just waiting for me to buy the truck before the decide to blow?

 

For the timing chain gasket you can just look for coolant dripping... Mine was obvious. The intake manifold gaskets will not be so easy to detect without monitoring coolant level over time. The lucky folks noticed their coolant level always being low, the unlucky ones hydro locked the engine. If the truck had been sitting for some period of time, you MAY notice a large amount of white "smoke" steam from the exhaust along with the smell of coolant.
If the seller is the only owner what does he say about previous service? Tough call if unknown. Expensive if you need the dealer replace the gaskets (mine were about $1200 at a reputable (non dealer) Shop). Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

1500 is cheap for a truck that runs and drives. I had a 97 with that engine. if the gaskets have been replaced, I wouldn't worry about it. have to remember that truck is 18 years old............its been around awhile...

 

I looked this up on kbb.com and the price range is from 1000.00 to 1600.00
depending on condition. also 220k miles is way over the kbb estimate of 142k miles