I'm looking to buy a used pickup and the vast majority of them in my price range seem to have the 4.2...After reading a few of the posts about the gaskets leaking I'm getting a little spooked about buying one of these.Is it only certain years that have the problem?Does it seem to occur at a certain mileage?

 

The 97s had a recall for the timing cover gasket.The lower intake gaskets are a sure thing to go bad too.The 98s with the 4.2 built after 1/15/98 are good to go.Anything before that is likely gonna have bad lower intake gaskets.The 4.2 is a dayum good motor if these gaskets are replaced.Anything 99 and up with the 4.2 is a good choice too.

 

Even though I had the lower intake gasket go I'd still buy another 4.2 with no regrets. 177,000 miles and still running good. Great motor!