Well I was hit with the dreaded gasket failure of the 4.2L that caused me to bend a rod. It really is a shame that with as many people that are having this problem they won't fix them. My truck has 140,550k on it. I went to start up the engine one morning and boom the starter gear broke and was lodged up where the flywheel was. Got all that fixed and now that dreaded knock knock knock. This sucks!

 

Man I am sorry to hear this. I really am, this whole problem does kinda make me a bit disgruntled at Ford, and makes me glad I got one of the newer more problem free trucks but it sucks for you. Are you planning on replacinbg it now or what?

 

Not so fast, It's starting to show up in some of the later models too (so I here). They said they fixed it, hmmm. Maybe just a matter of miles.

 

WHAT?????? gimme the dirt on this? what later models and where are you hearing this??????

 

Reading about it on other forums. 98 and some 99's. Realy just hearsay for now, but check around. I don't think it has reached epidemic porportions, yet. Breath deeply!

 

The 97 and 98 models have the problems primarily. 99's and up almost never have that exact problem, but there are going to be exceptions. Not every truck they make is going to be a perfect ride. My truck is an '03 and it was low on coolant this morning. I noticed a whine from it, so I topped off the coolant and vuala! no more whine. Even if the problem existed with the 99 & up Fords, it's no where near as freaquent as the 97's and 98's. It just goes to show you that no matter what year it is, some will still have bugs.

Lord, I can't wait to start hearing the '04 complaints!

 

Joe, well just in case keep an eye on your coolant and check your oil I guess, I want to wait and see the lng term affects of Toms NOS and Garrets S/C on their motors before I start upgrading.

 

THIS IS TOO COMMON! I'm ready to scream..tis the season. Mine happened a week ago to date. I was going to give it a shot with a compression gage but I don't know if its worth the effort.

 

No one said it was uncommon...they said it was common especially with your year model.

Or were you just trying to say that is was common? I think I just confused myself.

 

Heck man you just confused me. I was simply stating it's happening too much for Ford not to be doin anything about it. The TSB ended too early. The problems seems to only manifest itself in high mileage.

 

Ok, nevermind my retarded post.

I've heard of most cases happening in the higher mileage realm also.

 

It's all good man, could you loan me your engine for a week...I'll give it back....i promise

 

Sure, come and get it! Just bring a few grand and we will call it even!

 

If you guys know that 97-98's are prone to the leak problems, why dont you get some Ford stop leak pellets and put them in your cooling system? That way it may self heal before causing major damage. My ears perked up today when my buddy over the wall with a 99 just told me he bent a rod this week. Lucky for him he has the extended warranty. I hope Ford has corrected this problem. LOL

 

Thanks TIM...where were you two weeks ago man!?!?!