rebuild question

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Dec 8, 2003 | 09:58 PM

ridge_runner91

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rebuild question

I have a 1997 4.2 F-150. It had 106,000 miles on it when it started making a very loud knocking noise about a week and a half ago.

There was no way I could afford to pay some one to do the repairs for me, so with a little hesitation I jumped in and started to yank the engine myself. To make a very very long story short the engine is out, and the problem seems to be in the first cylinder. After taking the oil pan off I can clearly see that the piston arm is bent which caused the piston to come down to far and slap the crank arm (which accounts for the loud knocking noise). I had been using coolant for a while but couldn't find any leaks. Could a head gasket leaking coolant into the cylinder make a crank arm bend?

Is it recommended that I replace all the pistons at once or can I get away with replacing just the one piston and arm that are broke. Sorry to sound cheap but we just had a baby and money is really tight.

I want to do the job right, but I also need to do the job as cheap as possible.

Thanks for any help.

ridge

Dec 8, 2003 | 10:19 PM

Jimmy Dean

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From: La Tech University, La

HAHA YES!!! You hav the wonderful leaking head gasket problem in the 97/98 era. Brian can post you a link. is the damage repareable? If so congrats, you faired better than otehrs...

Honestly, while you may be able to et away with getting only one similiar stock piston, buying a full set, you would be glad in the long run. I understand about oney being tight. Do not let that leaking gasket turn you off. Ford fixed the problem, sorta, at least it does not happen anymore. That motor is a great engine. Hope it all turns out good for you

Jimmy Dean

Dec 9, 2003 | 04:09 AM

BlueOvalFitter

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From: Cajun Country

Ridge_runner91,your head gaskets did not cause the problem; your lower intake gaskets failed! All your answers are here at this website;
www.leakingfords.com

Dec 9, 2003 | 12:22 PM

Jimmy Dean

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From: La Tech University, La

oops, I named the wrong gaskets.

Dec 9, 2003 | 08:16 PM

ridge_runner91

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Thanks for the info guys. I guess that would be my problem.

Every thing is preatty strait forward so there shouldn't be any problems fixing everything, but will the new gasket for the lower intake eventually fail again? What I am trying to say is, will it go 10,000 miles and blow again or is there a good chance that if fixed properly it will last another 100,000 miles.

Thanks again for the help.

ridge