I can see the insulated pipe that goes to the EGR. Is there another line that goes to the intake I just cant see? How many ports and how do I clean them? With a brush from a gun cleaning kit?

 

I have a 98 F150 4X4 with the 4.2 and a 5 speed. It has over 100K on it and seems to be doing fine. The engine does not use oil. So far I'm happy with it. Don't worry about your truck. Just drive and enjoy.

 

we have one that we use for service work in coal fields, it has 225k miles on it with no problems

 

My ford has 240k Km's on it, It has the Dreaded 4.2 and 4 speed automatic. The only problem I have with my truck is when it shifts from drive to overdrive, it has a short hesitation. I think it may be its high speed controler on the tranny but i'm not sure. Does anybody have any ideas???

 

...Welcome Trowa, to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!

We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.

 

I purchased my 2K F150 4.2L new, now with 154K miles and could not be happier; knock on wood. Now, I am as **** as one can be and if you where look under Her hood, it is show room quality. I have driven "Her" hard but taken very good care of "Her".
Some things I do for Her:
1 Change the oil at 2500 miles; Overkill but worth it
2 Every 10,000 She gets new plugs and wires
3 At the 50,000, 100,000 and 150,000 Her covers where removed and adjustments/cleaning done if needed. Only needed minor valve adjustment at 100,000
4 Monthly I hand clean Her heart
I know, I am worst you have seen but She is worth it!!
I live and die by Ford however it is a shame to see there vehicles have some of the issues they have. Keep in mind that a very high percentage of the issues are related to how the owner maintains there vehicle.
Best wish's on your issues...
Talon88

 

I have a 1999 4.2L with 242000K, the only problems I have had was the wiper motor broke and the rear brakes seized. The truck runs great and even tho some of the posts on this website scare me I have faith in it. I know some guys who have 400000-500000K and have had no problems with the engine or tranny.

 

Well, you've pretty much heard it all but I'll add my two cents. My buddy called me one day and asked if I wanted his 97, 4.2, 5spd w/83k miles. I said why whats up, he said it's making bad sounds. Sure enough coolent (lots) in the sump and the internals on the passenger-side bank had some ugly noises. Took it anyway and put a rebuilt in it. Had the same fears once I start reading a little (late). But after swaping the old parts off for the rebuilt I could see that the oil changes were done with the wrong oil and the tune-up parts were cheappies. I've since seen a lot of fleet trucks of the same vintage with 200K+ with no issues and you have to know fleet vehicles are beat on and rarely maintained to schedule. I always maintain my vehicles myself and as close to the schedules as I can manage. That's what I plan on doing with this truck and I feel confident I'll be driving it for a long time to come. Do the same and enjoy it.

 

I have a 1997 Ford F150 V6 4.2. I bought it new and serviced it every 3000 miles. I took it in in for all recalls. It has 60,000 miles on it.
This week with no warning it failed. Fine one day and next day started it and it was knocking like crazy. Ford Service Dept. said it threw a rod and antifreeze is in oil. It will cost me $3000 plus to fix it.
I had not heard of the problem till it happen to me and then I did my research. I found several forums with hundreds of people with same problem. There are probably 1000s more who have no idea this is a common problem but have had to replace their engine also.
It is nice for those of you that have not had any problems but it could still happen to you yet. I am sure when it does you will be just as mad as I am.
I have always bought Ford but now I doubt I will.
It seems Ford knew about this problem with this engine but chose not to recall or to warn customers there could be a problem. I think many loyal customers will not buy Ford again. What happen to "Built Ford Tough"?
Ford you let your customers down this time.

 

connecting rods break in any engine by any manufacture at any time. every manufacturer of any internal combustion engine has connecting rods fail. regular and diligent maintainence will not prevent this from happening. My dad had a 2005 Dodge 2500 with the 5.7 Hemi with about 30,000 and a connecting rod went out on it in the rockies. It can happen to anyone at anytime no matter what you're driving. The antifreeze in your oil was probably from the connecting rod punching a hole in your block.

 

"It is nice for those of you that have not had any problems but it could still happen to you yet. I am sure when it does you will be just as mad as I am."

I'd be irate too. I bought a 2000 4.2 that has an obviously-replaced engine which works fine, but if I bought an earlier year I wouldn't pay much for it since I'd expect to fix it before use.
A quick teardown and gasket replacement is cheaper than a grenaded engine.

 

that equal's to about 160,000 mile if i'm not mistaken

 

The Service Manager at the Ford Dealership told me the antifreeze drip that ends up in the oil is a common problem on this motor and it is the main cause of the engine failure. He is also the one who told me Ford was well aware of it and chose not to recall. Random happening? I don't think so.
They told me today they want $4500 for a new motor installed. That is at least $1500 more than a independent mechanic will charge. The truck still runs but not taking a chance on driving it. I had it towed to a independent auto mechanic today. He will let me know what the true problem is when he gets it tore down.

 

What's the base charge for the motor only?

 

It depends on if you buy a Ford motor or another brand, anywhere from $2200 to $3300 for the Ford motor.
Keep in mind that the book value of this truck now is only in the $5000s. Way down from the $28,000 it cost new of course.