I own a 1997 f-150 with the 4.2l engine. I bought the truck secondhand with 123000kms on it. I now have about 138000km on the truck. I could tell the previous owner had taken good care of the truck from how well the paint job was compared to other trucks of that year. I havent had any major problems yet or anything at all for that matter but when I look into this forum I sure see lots of 4.2l engines with intake gasket failure. I am starting to wonder if I made a good choice to buy this truck because I owned a 1999 f-150 with the 5.4l engine and never had any problems with that truck before I traded it in on my 2003 lightning. (1999 flareside had 175000kms when I traded it off.) I think if I would have known about this problem before I would have bought a truck with the 4.6 or 5.4l. I use the truck for a work vehicle so I keep the mileage down on the lightning. I really like the truck and have had compliments saying it looks in pretty good shape to be used as a work vehicle. Its kind of like been stuck between a rock and hard place. If I keep the truck I take the risk of putting in a new engine which is very expensive but the body is in to good of shape to just park it and leave it sit. I bet there are a lot of other f-150 owners out there asking themselves the same sort of question.

 

I have had many nights wondering the same question. I have a 98 with a build date after the gasket upgrades, but I wonder if that even matters. I have seen stories of people with 03's that have had gasket failure. I keep an eye on my coolant level, oil, and exhaust. I have no signs of coolant usage, no coolant in the oil, and so far, no white cloudy exhaust attributed with coolant leaking in an intake port. I will keep my fingers crossed and keep on chuggin'. I cant help but wonder if I should have bought a 4.6 2wd shortbed.

 

SVTRULES,replace the lower intake gaskets,like myself and many others here have,and you will not have to worry anymore.That or keep a constant eye on your coolant level.I think my first suggestion is better tho!

 

Sure would be a good idea to replace the lower intake gasket. Sold a few pistons and connecting rods through our shop because of the hydraulic lock attributed to the manifold gasket coolant leak. Check the manifold for warpage and have it resurfaced if needed.

 

Do NOT put it off. Voice of experiance. My bank account (after my motor replacement) will tell you the same thing!!!