I am going to buy new truck and am hearing bad things about 4.2 v6. the company i work for has had to replace 5 motors with 30 to 70 k miles and our v8s run forever 170000 k plus

 

If you're buying a truck for towing heavy loads all the time, get the V8. If it's for everyday driving, get the V6. It's just as well-built as the V8 in my opinion. Also, the V6 will get better gas milleage. I own an '03 and haven't had the slightest problem with it. Really good engine.

 

Heiny,

The problems your seeing are from the first 2 years the 4.2 came out. Visit this site for details. http://www.leakingfords.com/

They have since corrected the problem and the 4.2's are now excellent motors and, I believe, will be running through Ford's assembly line for many years to come.

Just like anything, whenever you have a brand new design there are always flaws. This is why it's a good idea to wait a few years before buying some that just came out.

My motor runs strong. And I beat alot of Tritan V8's at the track. Of course mine is modified, but it just goes to show that you can get very respectable power out of the V6.

I got the V6 because I was on a 30K budget. I could have got the V8, but then I wouldn't of been able to get the upgraded Captains Chairs, the huge upgraded center console, the sunroof and many other extras that come with the Sport Package. The regular seats in the F150's are cotton ***** and you'll sink to the floor after 6 months. The Captains chairs are worth every penny of the 900 bucks I paid for them. They are huge and hard as a rock with material that won't burn even after dropping 20 cigars on it.

And they didn't have a V8 on the lot with the Sport package and all the other features I wanted. I would of had to order one.

So, I loved the truck, V8 or no V8, so I bought it. And I'm not disapointed in the power or reliability at all.

Let us know what you decide.

Tom

 

im very dissapointed with my 4.2 it sucks gas like a monster when im pullin the bike in the back and its sluggish to the point where i was almost out accelerated by a school bus the other day...very sad im looking into swapping it out with another truck i seen with the 5.4L v8 and then maybe things will be ok....as far as the 4.2L problems what year range was that if you dont mind that may help me narrow the problem.

 

It was the first two years the 4.2 came out. 97 & 98. These model years had many problems.

My 4.2 is very fast and it beats many V8's, even without the nitrous. Perhaps something is not quite right with yours.

What year is yours and what mods, if any, have you done? Also, how many miles on it? What grade gas? give us the skinny, maybe we can help breath some life into your motor.

Tom

 

Thanks for your reply Tom, my truck is stock PERIOD it has nothing done to it all i do is change the oil, filters, and put gas in it. Fuel grade is 87 octane Reg. its an 01' year make and its a 5-speed manual tranny. Its nto bad but it has this weird "bucking" deal goin on at acceleration sometimes and that weird "ticking" noise others here have said they find normal. it has high miles (over 60k) but i got a good deal on her plus she was beautiful flareside ext cab 4 door with 20" rims. Question for you Tom i know its stupid but how hard would it be to put the 5.4L in it?? i mean i know they are the same trucks but what would i have to change. I know the wiring harness and ECU, engine mounts, someone said suspension up front (not sure on that) fuel pump, what about the axle? i want power again. Im used to my 5.0's in the stangs and my hopped up 5.8L (351 c.i. w) this 4.2L is just so slugish compared to my friends Expedition with the 5.4L...his can smoke all 4 in 4H on pavement, i drove it to the store and at a roll on of about 25 MPH i stuck it in the floor and it damn near tore my arms outta the sockets...thats what im used to....HELP!!!

Thanks

James

 

James,

I'm not sure how much it will cost you to switch your motor out for the 5.4. Sounds really expensive though, especially the labor if you can't do it yourself. It would probably be cheaper to sell your truck and buy a used 5.4. I have almost the same truck as you, but mine is an automatic and mine is not slow at all. I would think yours would be even faster with the manual trans.

They do make a supercharger kit for your motor for 3500.00 that you can install yourself. Supposed to add 150 horsepower. I have the website link at work, but i'm at home today and I don't remember what the URL is. I'll have to get it for you tomorrow.

I didn't spend alot of money on my motor, but got alot more power out of it. The stock 4.6 Tritan has 230 horsepower, which isn't much at all. My motor is pushing way more than that right now and with the gear change, it's puts alot more of that power to the ground.

Check out my User's Gallery for motor pictures.

Remind me tomorrow about the supercharger and I'll get you that URL. After you install the supercharger, you'll be pushing 350 horsepower. I think that's the cheaper and easier way to go with your truck, outside of selling it and buying a different one.

Tom

 

James,

Are you hitting Biketoberfest next weekend?? I'll be riding the Busa up from Pompano Friday night.

Tom