Hi all,
I have a 1997 F150 w/ 4.2L V6. 86k miles. My truck was driven home w/ no problems. A day or 2 later I went to start it and I got the dead battery click click. I was leaving for vacation so a week later I got a new battery. When I installed it and hit the key the starter turned w/ a loud clunking metal mess sound. I then replaced the starter. The starter was missing about 3 teath, but the flywheel looked fine.
I hoped this was it. Upon trying to start the motor wouldn't spin. After pulling plugs I found liquid in a couple of cylinders. I don't think it was antifreeze, but can not be for sure. Anyway I cleaned out liquid, and installed new plugs. W/ all plugs out the motor turned over fine. W/ new plugs in I started the engine and it makes a loud knocking sound toward the bottom back of the motor. The tranny sounds quiet.
Guessing something cracked/broke bad bearing/piston/rod etc.? Not sure. Can't get oil pan down w/o taking engine out.... Oil doesn't appear to have water in it and it is full of oil.
Anyone seen this? Truck has been run easy and I can think of no reason for this....low miles etc.... Any Help???

Thanks

 

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dominic, sounds like you are a victim of the 97-98 4.2 lower intake gasket leak, which leads to hydrolock. You most likely have bent a rod. Do a search in the 4.2 forum for related threads. You'll find plenty.

Rich

 

yep same thing happened to me had to buy new motor 4.2's are notorious for this.