Hydrolock?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 35
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From: Erie, PA
Hydrolock?
Hello All,
This afternoon I went to start my truck and nothing. So I did a few tests. I took the spark plugs out, and put paper towels outside of the holes to see if it squirted any water when I turned it over, and it didn't. Next I drained all the oil to see if it had any water in it, and once again it didn't. The coolant did look like it went down a hair. Any thoughts, suggestions? Should I try and start it? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks
This afternoon I went to start my truck and nothing. So I did a few tests. I took the spark plugs out, and put paper towels outside of the holes to see if it squirted any water when I turned it over, and it didn't. Next I drained all the oil to see if it had any water in it, and once again it didn't. The coolant did look like it went down a hair. Any thoughts, suggestions? Should I try and start it? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Patty,
When you say it did "nothing" do you mean literally nothing ?
No starter engagement, no engine turn over? Nothing?
Since you have verified no fluid in the cylinder(s), it should be safe to attempt to start it again. That is, assuming no liquid has leaked into the cylinder(s) since you removed and replaced the plugs.
What model year is it? How many miles on it?
Any more info you can provide?
When you say it did "nothing" do you mean literally nothing ?
No starter engagement, no engine turn over? Nothing?
Since you have verified no fluid in the cylinder(s), it should be safe to attempt to start it again. That is, assuming no liquid has leaked into the cylinder(s) since you removed and replaced the plugs.
What model year is it? How many miles on it?
Any more info you can provide?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 35
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From: Erie, PA
When I tried to start it there wasn't any activity. It didn't turn over or anything. Since then I have put new plugs and oil in it. Coolant level seemed to be down just a smidge. Then I started it. It seem to run great, so I think paranoia got the best of me. I have hydrolock on the brain from all the research I have done. It is at the mechanic right now to get the state inspection. It is running lean so I told them to check that out along with a loud popping noise when shifting. I think it may be a universal joint. Any opinions?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
That is good news Patty. For future reference, damage from a hydrolocked motor will occur once you turn the key to "start" and the starter tries to turn the engine over. If everything is just right , well actually just wrong, you'll have liquid leaked into a cylinder that is on the compression stroke, meaning both intake and exhaust valves are closed. The engine can't compress the water like it does air, so something metal breaks or bends.
But, that didn't happen to you, and that is a good thing.
Best of luck getting everything else squared away.
But, that didn't happen to you, and that is a good thing.
Best of luck getting everything else squared away.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 35
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From: Erie, PA
Thank you for the info Brian. I am sorry I forgot to tell you the truck info. It is a 97 F-150 with 129,000 miles. Body and interior is in perfect shape. I have a couple pics in my gallery.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 6
From: Cajun Country
Patty,if the truck is in very good shape like you say,and the engine is strong,no oil leaks,oil burning,then I would have the lower intake gaskets replaced.Do you know if the timing chain cover gasket was ever changed under the recall? You can call your local Ford dealer and give them your VIN to run an "oasis" on your truck.This will tell if it ever was done by Ford,along with any other recalls.Good luck and keep us posted! 
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,532
Likes: 5
From: Trussville, Alabama
Patty,
I had you pegged as a Patty, short for Patricia. I checked your gallery and see it's short for Patrick.
The early 4.2 motors were susceptable to gasket failure. As BOF mentioned, it is worth checking into. If never done, it might not be a bad idea to have lower intake and timing chain cover gaskets repalced. Not cheap for sure, but far less than having to replace a motor.
I'll keep tabs on the "running lean" condition you posted about.
I had you pegged as a Patty, short for Patricia. I checked your gallery and see it's short for Patrick.
The early 4.2 motors were susceptable to gasket failure. As BOF mentioned, it is worth checking into. If never done, it might not be a bad idea to have lower intake and timing chain cover gaskets repalced. Not cheap for sure, but far less than having to replace a motor.
I'll keep tabs on the "running lean" condition you posted about.
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 914
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From: Tampa Fl
thats a nice lookin truck man, i got a lead on one just like it body and color wise but its got the v-8 4x4 lariat all power for $4500....i hope your engine is ok man it'd be a shame to ruin a truck that nice
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Erie, PA
Thanks James. Th engine is ok for now. I think I am going to get the gaskets replaced in the near future so I don't have to be paranoid. $4,500.00 is a good deal! How many miles?
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