I'm considering buying a '97 F-150 xlt, four wheel drive, 63,000 miles with the 4.2L engine. Surfing around the net I've found some negative comments about the 4.2 liter engine. Should I stay away from this vehicle?

Thanks.

 

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There have been issues with the 4.2L hydrolocking due to bad headgaskets. Just do a search in the 4.2L forum you will find plenty of info. I have a 97 4x4 with a 4.2L and have 147000 mile on my truck now. I haven't had many major problems, just mostly minor things. As long as you keep up on your Preventive maintaince you sould do just fine.

Paul

 

The 4.2 is basically a beefed up version of the old 3.8 engines. They are pretty durable, but by no means a real power-house. There's alot of E-250's out there with 4.2 engines doing fleet work because they cost alot less than 4.6 equipped vans, and holding out just fine.

 

I wish I had my old 300 six back, but the 4.2 is OK.
Remember you can gear down a mouse to pull a freight train. That's the story on the 4
2.
Mine gets 16 Mpg. and is a nice quiet pickup.
Dont be afraid of it.

 

The 97-98s and possibly 99s had problems with head gaskets. But honestly I'd go for at least the 4.6. It actually has decent power to pull the truck around and gets the same, if not better mileage than the 4.2. Actually, my 5.4 gets 17-20 MPG highway which is probably the same or better than most 4.2s.

Mike

 

Our 98 has over 100K miles on it and so far it is fine. Does not use any oil. Pulls fine and does reasonably well on fuel. I'm happy with it.

 

I like my 2003 4.2 v6. It's enough power to keep up with the traffic. And I get right about 20 mpg (this last tankfull I did better). I love the truck.

 

I'd still say go with a V8. I'm not saying that anyone's 4.2 is bad but if you're wondering if it will be enough, you've already set yourself up for disapointment. Like I said, even my 5.4 gets 17-20 MPG highway. The 4.6s can get a little better.

Mike