Another '97 4.2 leaker!
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Another '97 4.2 leaker!
Well, just noticed i'm loosing a little coolant. Great, I had it checked out and was told that #6 cylinder has a small leak. He presure tested it and recomended just to keep on driving till the big bang! This is the head gasket and not the lower intake or timing cover gasket.
My questions: Has anyone had any success with a block sealer that you put in the radiator?
Secondly, what is the cost of a Blue Oval replacement? Two dealers have quoted two different prices. Wouldn't it be nice if Ford would step up to the plate and give the owners of these '97&'98 problematic motors a chance to buy them at dealer cost.
My questions: Has anyone had any success with a block sealer that you put in the radiator?
Secondly, what is the cost of a Blue Oval replacement? Two dealers have quoted two different prices. Wouldn't it be nice if Ford would step up to the plate and give the owners of these '97&'98 problematic motors a chance to buy them at dealer cost.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: White Sands, NM
I would NOT drive it until it goes bang! The bang usually results in an engine replacement.
If you haven't already, check out www.leakingfords.com
If you haven't already, check out www.leakingfords.com
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They presure tested at 16psi and it held for awhile dropping down to about 13psi. There was signs of coolant in #6 cylinder. Along with the plug being wet I was told that it was the head gasket and not the lower intake manifold gasket. There is no sign of water in the oil, so I felt confident that it wasn't the timing cover gasket.
The point the mechanic made was that the motor has 99k on it. How long has it been leaking? You fix one gasket, ie: head and lower intake. Then timing cover, your half way to replacing with a new rebuilt from Blue Oval with a 3 year 36K warrenty. Seems like a no brainer.
How do you get a long block for under $2000? Like I said earlier, Ford should offer these at dealer cost. I was quoted $2400.
Also, has anybody tried using a block sealer to either slow down or even stop the leak for awhile?
Thanks for any input.
The point the mechanic made was that the motor has 99k on it. How long has it been leaking? You fix one gasket, ie: head and lower intake. Then timing cover, your half way to replacing with a new rebuilt from Blue Oval with a 3 year 36K warrenty. Seems like a no brainer.
How do you get a long block for under $2000? Like I said earlier, Ford should offer these at dealer cost. I was quoted $2400.
Also, has anybody tried using a block sealer to either slow down or even stop the leak for awhile?
Thanks for any input.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cajun Country
I guess it depends on the dealer.I was quoted $1965.37 plus tax.Without core,add another $1000.00.I got this from the parts guy I deal with at Gator Ford,Seffner Florida.My friend thought he might have to replace his but we got lucky and the lower intake gaskets were replaced and all is well. 
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Unfortunatly up here in Massachusetts it seems to be more expensive. I will call around to different dealerships when the time comes.
Did you replace the lower intake yourself? Or did you have it done, I think it is going to be a weekend job. Then where do you stop, you may still have problems with other gaskets latter. Thanks for the link to leaking fords, that is why i'm leaning to a rebuilt when everything is said and done.
Did you replace the lower intake yourself? Or did you have it done, I think it is going to be a weekend job. Then where do you stop, you may still have problems with other gaskets latter. Thanks for the link to leaking fords, that is why i'm leaning to a rebuilt when everything is said and done.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cajun Country
Back in November 2002,I had Ford replace mine.I had the extra money at the time,so I let them do it.My friend was low on funds,so I helped him replace his.It took us about 6 hours,but we did alot of cleaning along the way;and breaks too!......lol..If you do it or have someone do it,make sure the EGR ports get cleaned!
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I was blowing white smoke out of my 98 4.2 at 103k. I put two bottles (as reccomended for v6 and v8) of bar's sealer and conditioner. Seems to have worked. At 106k, she is still holding. But I'm being real careful about keeping an eye out for problems or signs of white smoke out the pipe on startup. DROP OUT and Replace your oil, IMMEDIATELY , if not sooner on any sign of White smoke. First sign of problems on mine was shudder and shake for a few seconds upon start up. Gone now.
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Thanks for the reply, this is the information I was looking for. I have not seen any signs of coolant in the oil as of yet. I do have the same shudder and rough idle.
Does this product stay in the system or does it get flused out after a period of time? Also, on my '97 I have to deal with a coolant resivour, and don't have direct access to the radiator. There doesn't appear to be a cap to put this in. I will definatly give this a try. Any tips on procedure would be helpful.
Thanks..
Does this product stay in the system or does it get flused out after a period of time? Also, on my '97 I have to deal with a coolant resivour, and don't have direct access to the radiator. There doesn't appear to be a cap to put this in. I will definatly give this a try. Any tips on procedure would be helpful.
Thanks..
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Joe,
Removed the top radiator hose and put in a bottle last evening. Took about a 70 mile drive, and noticed that at a stop it idled much smoother. This moring, found truck started like it used to. Didn't seem to have the normal shutter when starting.
For $3.59 I think it was well worth it. I'll pay close attention to the coolant level.
Thanks
Removed the top radiator hose and put in a bottle last evening. Took about a 70 mile drive, and noticed that at a stop it idled much smoother. This moring, found truck started like it used to. Didn't seem to have the normal shutter when starting.
For $3.59 I think it was well worth it. I'll pay close attention to the coolant level.
Thanks
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Not sure how long it will last, that is why I'm keeping an eye out for white smoke. Indefinitely I hope 
. I put my two bottles directly in the overflow tank. the hose on the bottom of it goes straight down, I figured it would get into the system...and it did. Like I said, don't know how long it will last, but for 3 bucks, you can always go the more expensive route later, but at least it gives you a chance to save up for it.
Regards
. I put my two bottles directly in the overflow tank. the hose on the bottom of it goes straight down, I figured it would get into the system...and it did. Like I said, don't know how long it will last, but for 3 bucks, you can always go the more expensive route later, but at least it gives you a chance to save up for it. Regards