Don Moore
Special Liaison Unit
Ford Executive Offices

I just had a lengthy conversation with, Don Moore at Ford. He has heard from me and listed my problems and concerns. He would now like to hear from anyone else with a 1997 4.2L F-150 that has experienced gasket failures. He will need the VIN and repair history when you contact him.

Please e-mail me at AjRagno(No Email Addresses In Posts!) so I can keep track of everyone and I will send you his direct # at Ford.

Thanks,
Adam

 

The Ford contact info is no longer valid. You can however, still email me if you have any questions about these gasket problems.

 

I have a 97 F150 extended cab with a 4.2 that now has 52,000 mi. I have not had any problems as of yet but have been watching very closely based on the problems others have had. Can you tell me more about the gasket failure? I was rotating the tires today and noticeed a coolant leak from behid the water pump about mid way up on the passenger side. Is this one of the gaskets that have been causing trouble?

 

Stinger,get it to a mechanic quickly!!!!You have the timing cover gasket leak most likely.Lower intake gaskets can also leak there too.Get it to a mechanic quickly!!! Good luck!

 

The area where you see coolant is where these timing cover gaskets usually leak externally. You should have it taken care of before it begins to leak internally.

When you have the gasket replaced, advise the tech to pressure test the system after to verify he hasn't created a new leak. My lower intake gasket blew during the pressure test for the timing gasket leak and I've found a number of others that have as well. You don't want to drive off with a new, undetected leak destroying the engine.

 

I was afraid of that, I really like my truck but these gaskets concern me. I'm in the Army and mostly drive back and forth to work but I do take trips home and drive to other posts TDY from timt to time. Don't know if i really have a need for a vehicle that i can't trust to make the haul.
Well, guess there goes the new compound bow I was gonna buy... LOL

Thanks Gentlemen,
Alan

 

I also own a 1997 Ford F150 with a 4.2L V6. Just lost the engine last week.Egine has 98,000 miles. I shut the engine down one night and everything seemed normal. Next morning when I tried to start engine it fired and I heard a clung sound and the engine would not turn over again.

I attemped to turn the engine by hand useing socket and hing handle, It would turn about 1/2 rev to left and lock up, then you could turn it back and it would lock again. I pulled the plugs and found the # 1 cylinder full of water. I is apparent that the rod was bent when I attemped to start the engine. It appears the water is entering from the intake.

My truck VIN # is X17VNC46731F.

How can I report this to Ford??

Thanks, Joe
Email: provoj@***-internet.com