FORD F150 4.2L v6 ENGINES

[Focstay]

There may be hope yet. Just recieved this email from Phil Edmunston, writer and fearless activist against the car industry. If you haven't heard of him, he's much like Ralph Nader.

Hi Ed.
I wrote about the problem in the Lemon-Aid truck and SUV guide at the library or bookstore. Yep, it IS a common Ford`problem and after I denounced it and their crappy attitude, they applied a `secret warranty `for 7 year or 160,000 km, full replacement cost if client threatened small claims court action.
Do that. It worked for others as your thread shows, so it will work for you.
Let me know how you do...

Phil

[kelly akard]

What do you know? My story is the same as everyone else's. I wanted to Google and see if this was a problem motor for 1997 when I stumbled upon this forum. Wish I'd done this a few months ago. Never knew about the recall, but I'm not sure that would be a save-all anyways.

After changing my oil a few weeks ago, my truck started clacking loudly which led me to think it was a lifter problem. I wish. Turns out I got a rod knocking. So I did some calling around and found out that 97-98 f150 motors are pretty crappy. I talked to a guy at a ford salvage yard and he says that he recommends not even putting a replacement in. Says he's seen a lot of people use 2001 mustang engines. You just have to change the intakes, exhaust manifold, and harmonic balancer.

I'm hoping this is true, has anyone else heard of this as a good motor swap? This guy says he's personally traded out 8 of them. And he sounds like he knows his stuff. There's apparently an abundance of these mustangs and the motors are going for $1000.00 (30,000 miles/90 day warranty). Checking around I found some 97 ford motors for about $1,600 (55,000 miles) or $2,600 for a rebuilt one. The mustang is a 3.8 liter.

If anyone can confirm this mustang theory or has any advice let me know on this forum or email me "kelroywashere@yahoo.com". Thanks Kelly

[kelly akard]

Also...
My truck had 88,000 miles on it. Is Phil saying that if we threaten to sue Ford, they will pick up the tab for putting in a new motor, as long as it's either within 7 years of being new or under 160,000 kms? Hmm....

[Fudbert]

Sorry folks, but I don't believe it will be that easy. If you posters haven't started a class action suit by now, you will never get restitution.

Ford is in the dumps. They aren't going to do anything without being sued. Anyway, secret warranty's are illegal in some States, especially California.

I've been doing this stuff for too long to believe Ford will all of a sudden "do the right thing". Remember, it was the bean counters that got them into this situation and it will be the bean counters that tell them not to warrant out of warranty vehicles.

Did you all see the "new" Ford commercials with Ford himself telling all the good things coming our way? Did he mention "quality"? No, that would be simply "Puffery". Imagine the "dough boy" giggling while pushing in his stomach. I don't have the stomach to watch a Ford commercial anymore and simply change the channel.

Ok, what is this puffery thing Fudbert keeps talking about? It was Ford's reaction in a current lawsuit about people thinking there was something to Ford's assertion that their cars have any sort of quality. They said it was simply "Puffery". In other words, don't believe what we say in our commercials, it is just meant to sell our cars and in no way means anything about building quality into what we sell.

So I believe from now on you won't hear about "quality" in their commercials. If you do, don't believe it.

[Chuck860]

SCREW FORD AND THERE MOTHERF****ING RECALLS, AND THAT PIECE OF CRAP 4.2 motor. Never been a Chevy fan but I have a new 2005 silverado sitting in the drive way that I traded the ford in to buy. I guess the times have changed. To all the members on this board. I would rather walk barefoot than drive another FORD!!!! :mad: :mad: :eek:

[Dirtybeerguy]

Hey Suck-Well, (SOCKWELL)

You are the kind of guy that makes me HATE waking up early in the morning (Mon thru Fri) just to hear some Suck-Ass tell the Boss how "GREAT" he is, and " Thanks Soooo--Much for NO Christmas Bonus this year Boss, I know we did not deserve it, sooooooo---I bought you a Super-Suck-Pump while I'm off for the Holidays( NOT PAID) so you will not be without me.
Your pathetic!!! I hope like Hell, your Ass is in about 60" inches of snow (Up-to-your-Coc#-Suck@#-Deep) when your Ford kicks the bucket, and I drive by in my 2005 4x4 Toyota yelling," I cannot say this on the website"!!
ssssssssssuuuuuuuuuucccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkaaaaaaaassssssss!!!!!!!

Sockwell,

May God forgive you, because West Virginia country boys Do Not!!! I'd rather be 1st in Hell, than 2nd in a FORD Truck. PS. Dag-gone right my Sister is a Cheap/prostitute, but at least she doesn't drive a FORD!! She is still my sister, but if I catch her in a FORD, well that makes her a SOCKWELL!! Pay my Bill sucker, changed all gaskets, owned 11 previous FORDS(NEW I might add) watched the coolant, and all I got from FORD was some suck-a#@ like you SUCKWELLl!!!!!!!!!
Come to WV, I'll suck you around town. I Hope to goodness I can't find you by your IP Address -----Or you will pay the bills.

MERRY CHRISTMAS--SUCKASS!!!!!!!!

[fsk816]

I have a 97 ford f150 with the 4.2 bought it a year ago kept smelling anti freeze couldnt figure where it was coming from the coolant was always low,shut it down one day and than went to start it up and it started knocking
took off the valve cover pans to see if it was pumping oil and under the passenger side valve cover was all white which meant anti freeze was in it
so why should we all go out and pay thousands for another 4.2 when in a week or year the same thing can happen to it.We all should get together and find out our legal options and get a petition against the Ford dealer and get the media involved Because by looking at this site its a epidemic with the 4.2
If anyone wants to help or has ideas email me or other wise why should we complain if we dont take action! soon!

[hend]

I just joined the ranks of the blown engine in the F150 1997. Parked it Dec 2 and tried to start it dec 3 and it gave a ugggg and would not turn over and waited and then started it later and all hell broke loose, sounded like 10 people hitting the hood with hammers. apparently it was in a water lock and broke a rod. I had the gasket repair done on the front back a couple years ago but never did see an lost of liquid until now. The only indication I had and recognize now, that its too late, it was missing when I started it in the morning but stopped after 15 to 20 seconds. apparently this was enough to blow the water off the plug. The truck was my pride and joy it is black and in excellent condition with a 5spd and the power that the engine put out was just right for the weight. I enjoyed driving it but now is it worth the expense to repair it to wait for it to happen agian? and Who would I want to repair it? FORD???

[orca1993]

I bought my F150, new in 1997. I've treated it like I was going to own it forever.
At 4000 miles the front right tie rod broke while pulling into a station for gas.
I fixed it in my drive with parts from my ford dealer. Later I was informed that
the tie rods where a recall item. Nothing for me, though. I never was informed
about the front timing cover gasket, so it was never replaced. I started to loose
coolant after the system was flushed and filled. I suppose that the back pressure caused the weak gasket to fail. I've had two hydro lockups that did not bend a rod, but, it is burning coolant steadilly. I took it to several shops to
have the gaskets replaced, but they refuse to touch the engine. The only way
that they will work on it is if I have a complete rebuild including boring out the
exhaust studs and replacing them. I see that the only way to correct this now
is to have a new engine installed. It seems that everyone knows that this is
a bad news product. By the way, the dealer offered me 2500 for a trade in.
Let's see....32,000 new .... eight years worth 2500. Hmmm.....3687.50 per year
Plus fuel and maintenance. Call them what you want.

[fsk816]

I was on here the other day and left a post ,And had the same problem with my 97 Ford ,Well Im not sitting back Im copying all these pages of complaints and printing them plus theres other site im printing out its like a box full of complaints and then some from all over ,Im contacting the news and sending them copys of this Im contacting the attorney general and sending them a copy wether they want it or not im gonna do all the paper work and leg work my self this is not a isolated incident So when all the news channels and attorney general recieves this then we can see if this takes off and plus im sending this to Ford to the whole box of these complaints and by searching the net you wouldnt beleve how much paper work in complaints are no one deserves to work there butts off and spend there hard earn money on a TOUGH BUILT FORD ! when here its weaker then there makers !
:mad:

[prediction1]

My 2001 has a loud pronounced clack coming from the oil filter/pump housing. After 12 days at world ford kendall all i got was oh thats a normal sound. People please i must have idiot tattooed on my head. I had a mil on and was told 1000 dol later that i needed a manifold spacer. well come to find it had a bad plug setting a rich condition. Thanks Ford if i ever need to decieve any one youve given me the best lesson i could ever hope for. And my 01 4.2 v6 still ticking louder than ever, great for a timex bad for motor.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Never again will i buy ford, im lookin for a new bowtie!!!!!!

[usferguson]

Add me to the list of F#(Ked by ford. Same problem here!!

Had to search long and hard to find a used motor to replace the
ford anchor. Replaced it with a 2000 engine. Had to make a few
changes on top of the motor(fuel rail and sensors)so that my wiring would
work. Just hope ford made the changes by 2000 to their 4.2.

Any info on that would be helpful ( that way I'll know rather to unload
this piece of sh!+ ) email:usferguson@hotmail.com :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Ray McCranie]

I just recently had the exact symptoms with my 1997 F-150. Noticed a slight engine coolant leak. I watched the level and kept it filled to normal level. After about a week of this, I went to start the truck and heard nothing but chaos coming from the engine. I had the truck towed to local Ford dealer and the engine was diagnosed as gone. (i.e. rods and pistons.) I had to shell out over $4,500 to get the truck returned to service. I now have a
Ford rebuilt engine 3/36 warranty. I am very nervous about keeping the truck any longer but as I just put $4,500 dollars into it, I hope to drive it another 2 years. I am afraid I will have to break a tradition of buying Fords as the company was at this time not helpful with problem other than the massive charges. One note, I was never notified or contacted about any service bulletins on this and it was a brand new truck when I bought it. If any body finds some actual documentation about this problem I would like to see it.

[wdean20]

My truck died today! Just like everyone else it happened in my driveway, hesitated to start and then started nocking. 4 to 5 grand to fix. Does anyone have a success story of Ford stepping up and reapairing this obvious manufacturers defect? If so please reply. Sounds like a class action in the making.

[BamaSteve]

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :eek: :mad:
Finally had enough money to take my truck in to the Ford dealer. Was told it was a goner. I'm thinking No S#!t, it's got a hole in the oil pan big enough to put my fist in there.
To fill in, my 97 F150 with a 4.2 was parked the day I went on vacation (running great), I get home and crank it only to hear a rod sling loose and start slapping around the insides. Had a shade tree come over and try to crank it and that's when the hole was created.
Any who was told the same $4-5k to replace. But I was told that the I may run into the same problem within a few years, as the new engines supposedly have the same defect. I am now looking to purchase a completly new drivetrain, replacing the V-6 with a V-8 and the automatic with a manual. Have found a Chevy 350 that will mate up with little alteration.
I will keep you all updated with my decisions.

Steve

[Lobtuf]

:mad: Well, now it has happened to me! A few months ago the coil in a cylinder went - 700 repair. Then, about three weeks ago I cranked it up and bam. Same story told over and over here. New engine cost me $4220. Now, the same tech that fixed the cylinder the first time told me of the trend problem when the engine finally went (70,896 miles). Why he didn't tell me this when I went in the first time. :mad: Anyway, I wrote a letter to Ford, received a call from Customer Service with the party line, you know warranty, owner's responsibility. Surely there is some recourse here!

[Lobtuf]

There is over 95 pages of complaints here; maybe if we all sent them to the same consumer watchdog we could get a class action going.

[rook6040]

I have joined the ranks of all the other pissed off ford truck owners on this site. Left my truck where i parked it and came out in the morning and started it to hear a very loud clanking and banging noise. Had vehicle towed to ford where i was told that i was going to need to pay around 4500.00 dollars to get a new engine put in my car. I never recieved any recalls for my vehicle and i bought it new. if anyone has any good solutions to this problem then please let me know. im open to suggestions. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[MACKY]

same thing has just happened to me. very interested in any progress anyone has made. please keep me informed of any information.

[Steveo38]

Service Engine Light came on on my 2002 F150 4.2L V6 with 71000.

Ford says it is a lower intake gasket. They want a lot of cash for the repair $1000.

Can I drive it to another shop for a quote or do I need it towed?

Thanks

[berd]

I don't know the answer to your question, Steveo. I just found this this site today, and obviously everyone knows why. Similar prelude and similar "bang" and clatter. Truck is 1997 F150 4.2L with ~77,000 miles; I bought it new. Regular servicing at two Ford dealerships in two states (we moved). Event happened 12-26-05, yesterday morning. Had it towed to the dealership. The Ford rep at the service desk called me back with the $4,700 estimate. I said: "Has this been a problem for this engine?" He said: "No, no more than with any other engine."

I was never notified of any recalls or warnings of this problem, by the way.

Let me tell you what happened in Dec., 1998. My wife (soon to be, anyway) had a 1991 Toyota PU with their V6 and ~90,000 miles on it. It started blowing white steam from the tailpipe. My wife was the 2nd owner, and the warranty was long gone. I called the local dealer, who didn't know either of us. The shop manager diagnosed the problem over the phone (head gasket) and volunteered that Toyota knew about the problem; I didn't even have to ask. They fixed it for free, no questions asked. We were all smiles. I'm fond of that company.

I know how you guys feel, and you know how I feel. A lot of people have posted here. After reading this post, it doesn't seem like anything fair and just has come from Ford on this issue, however. It's really too bad, because I bought it to "buy American" and help keep our jobs here; I would have bought a Toyota, otherwise. All it would take to keep me as a customer is to acknowledge the defect and help fix it. If they don't, which seems unlikely, I'm sorry to say that neither I nor my wife (and maybe our son, if he'll listen to me) will every trust Ford enough to buy another of their products. Too bad; I liked the looks of that new (retro) Mustang.

Well, if anyone ever detects anything positive from Ford please let me know. Meanwhile, I'm going to try to figure out whether it's worth fixing and what I'll be driving next.

[Fudbert]

I hear this allot from the posters about the reps. saying they have never heard of the problem before. This is a standard response they are trained to say. You don't expect them to say "yes, it is a known defect" do you?

If you want to have some fun, when you call the Ford Customer Service 800 number and complain, ask them this question, e.g., is this a known problem. Wait for their response which will be "no" of course, and then when they say, "this is not a known problem" or "we haven't heard of this before" or any other lame answer you get, ask them what "Action Code" they used for the answer. You may get a pause from the person at the other end of the line.

You see, the responses are "pre-approved" and are listed by number and are called action codes. In other words, "we haven't had any problems with this particular model and the failure you are asking about", then this answer would be something like action code 102 or similar number. They don't allow the Customer Service people to think for themselves, they are just pucking out the action codes when you call.

You don't think that all of the posters to this site haven't said the same thing to the 800 number people? Do you really believe that the 40,000 viewers of this forum who don't post but are watching what you all do and also have complained to the 800 number haven't heard the action code responses. You see, there is a record kept with all of this. And when a lawsuit is brought, then the MORS database is asked for and the real answer is then found. Ford knows they have a problem with your make and model of vehicle. They're just not going to do anything about it until someone sues.

Maybe they need to FOCUS on the defects, or is the FOCUS the next defect. Let's just thank the PN96 design crew for bringing us a Six Sigma piece of crap.

[dukew-00]

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:
hello fellow 4.2 suckers. "FORD BUILT SUCKS" well i got suckerd Oct 4 2003 into a 2000 F-150 w/52,000mil . My lovely truck was doin great till Sept 2004 and then my tranny went out. Just blew out. Well $1400 dollars and a lot of (i mean a lot) of money and time later (Nov 2004) i got it fixed (Happy times Right?). Dad, me some buddies put the tranny in. so I am do'n great and then i started to smell anti freeze and well some time later in Aug 2005 it started a steem shop out the exhaust. Water, anti freeze and oil that is what is was. looked lik head gasket or head might be craked so got new gasket set and got heads tested and reshaped and new head bolts.($400 later) Well I finaly got to gettin it back together and it is still smokin (today in Dec 2005). So somethin bad is wrong maybe block is craked. I dont know but I am very mad I owe $12,000 on it. so I figred i would get on the internet i find out if anybody else had any problems and I found yall. FORD BUILT PIECE OF CRAP.


[COLOR=Black]is there anyone out there tryn to do somethin to ford for this crap[/COLOR] dukew-00@hotmail.com is my e-mail

[pettyfan43]

In the past year I been adding coolant to my 1997 ford f150. In the past 6 mo. my oil pressure showed 0 while idling at a stop. Even will an oil change. On Dec. 26, 2005, I went out to start my truck & the rods were making a terrible noise. I started to read all these same stories from other people, & its not right Ford can get away with this. my truck only has 110,000. I bought it when it had 50,000, but didn't know of the 4.2L problem. Does anyone know if anything can be done?.

[Lobtuf]

Come on. It seems we all want to take action but no one is. Surely someone knows where we can can start a class action lawsuit :confused: ?

[berd]

Hey Fudbert: Thanks for the info; I'll try it.

You said: "I hear this allot from the posters about the reps. saying they have never heard of the problem before. This is a standard response they are trained to say. You don't expect them to say "yes, it is a known defect" do you?"

What I expect from people I deal with is the truth. If it's not and I find out about it, I will cease, limit, or alter my dealings with them, depending on the situation. I feel a bit sorry for the customer service people on the phone, in the shops, etc., who have to accept lies in order to keep their jobs and feed their kids. I feel no sympathy for the managers and officers who tell them what to say. Sometimes I get angry (thankfully not often) which doesn't help. Business is business. Lie to me, lose my business.

[Decemberborn]

Well read alot of the posts. Don't need to add my story because it has been repeated several times.

Mine happened on Jan. 1st. Threw my rod. It's a 98 F150. Hoping there was some hope, but having read my exact problem I see there is a big issue there. I only had the truck about 4 months, bought it used from a friend no less. lol. Oh well. I"m gonna try a few things if anything breaks will post again.

What a way to start the new year.

[pettyfan43]

I recently talked to a mechanic to replace my POS engine. He said he could put a engine in my truck for $3500. He said this new & improved 4.2 from Ford has the passages bored out bigger in the heads to make the engine run cooler & a metal gasket is used. He said that's what Ford did to fix the problem. I'm not sure if he's telling BS or the truth. I don't want to do this again in 70,000 or 100,000 miles. Has anyone else heard of this? I'm just looking for a relatively cheap & reliable way to get my truck back on the road.

[jcbridge]

Just want to add our experience to this thread in hopes that someone will get a hold of this and DO SOMETHING - Let me know via e-mail at jcbridge@aol.com if there is something we may do to help...

We are scheduled to pick up our 1998 Ford F-150 at the shop this afternoon. Cost of the new engine it needed after 110,000 miles (for the same reason described by others here) a cool $4,200.00 - which includes the cost of a new water pump it also needed.

We think it's a shame that there appears to be an OBVIOUS problem Ford has chosen to ignore.

Certainly, we won’t buy a new Ford in the future. Always a, "Ford family" we own this 98 Ford F-150 and a 2002 Expedition. We plan to dump the Expedition in a year, after our 6 foot 3" high school senior heads off to college and we no longer need such a big vehicle for family trips. We decided to pay the 4k for the new engine to keep the F-150; because we like having a truck, and because 4k is cheaper than buying a new one and otherwise, like others have said here, not fixed the truck is little less than a yard ornament.

Best of luck to all who have encountered this problem with the fabulous Ford F-150. Perhaps knowing we're not alone will be enough...

Take care!

[Focstay]

I have found the TSB relating to the leaking gasket and I am putting together a case. The gasket repair cost me $750 plus a tow in Sept. I think I saved the engine by catching it in time. I am notifying Ford of Canada and the dealership that when a recall for the 'engine front cover gasket' (1999) was sent out, part of the TSB mentions the intake gaskets under 'action' right on the front of the sheet. My basis is that they did not do the original work. I am sending it out tomorrow Jan.6/06 giving them two weeks to respond or I file an official claim. I spoke to a sucessful small claims court addict and a mechanic. They said this 'action' section alone means I have them by the short and curlies.

[Lobtuf]

Please keep us informed of any developments!

[dukew-00]

Does anyone know where to buy motors fairly cheep. used or new I dont care gotta get this stupid thing fixed.

[wtmIII]

Just an update. After I had the engine replaced on my 1998 Ford 4.2, 72,000 miles (just like everybody else, the rod through the oil pan made this necessary) I immediately went to our local Dodge dealer and traded "it" in and bought a new Dodge Ram. If Ford had treated me right, I would have still been loyal to Ford (I bought 9 new Fords so far and expected to buy an additional 9-11 in my lifetime). If anything comes to a class action suit and this thread is used to discover those who have had the "hydrolock problem", my e-mail address is <fcspatti@hotmail.com>
Ford, If you are reading these comments, I hope that you recognize (before you go bankrupt) that it is costly to abandon your loyal customers.

[david F]

I'll have a 1997 ford f150 6cly 4.2 on Jan 02 2006 I went to work, came back for work 3-hours later I was cleaning the truck as alway she is a black beauty short bed side steps on the back fenders I have a lid on it 5-cd not dents on it I alway took care of it body & motor alway mantain it, so on that same day when & started it the engine sounded like it was going to rattle righ out of the hood. I just couldn't belive it. I was hoping it was the water pump, smog pump, or a pulley. I was in deind. 3-people came over to look at it all sad it was a rod. I already knew it but didn't want face it. (ford dealer suck' s no more fords for me. if anyone know about a recall please let me know texandave7Yahoo.com Thanx (built tough Ha Ha HA)

[W|ck|dT|nker]

well here i am, with a 97 F 150, a brand new water pump on ma truck, and a worse water leak then when i started,
sadly i was just looking around ta see if anyone my know wot my problum might be, and i ran across the forum, needless ta say im not a happy camper,
my truck still runs great, but even fixing my problum will still make me wonder wether or not my truck is just going to "Stop" running when i fix my problum,
I have allwies been a Ford man, but after reading the posts here i think this will be my last, looks like now i need to get my truck to a mech, get wot i can fixed, and get rid of it, seems dodge will be my new home away from home,
thanks for the info everyone, ill keep watchin, ford has lost yet another ford man,
Ohhh well, its only Money rite Ford,
(you know thay have ta be reading thiese)
Thanks again, John,

[RobBinIN]

Same story here.
Went out to start it up, started knocking, turned it off, hauled it to my Dads, been sittin there for 3 years. Still payin on it with 10 months left on the loan.
Am in a position this year with tax returns to put in a new motor and start driving it again.

[chadtoolio]

I have a '98 F150 supercab with the 4.2 v-6... Anyway when I was looking for some info on a pop I have in the front end(which I believe is the bushings in the control arms), I came across this site and am glad that I did. I have had this truck since 45k miles and it has 79k on it now. I bought it from my dad, so I have done all the maintenance since new. Anyway, I saw this thread and had never heard of this problem before, but within 3 weeks, I had heard of 3 people that have had the same problem. I went to the Ford dealer last week and bought the gasket set and put the intake gaskets on this afternoon. I think that I should be in good shape and have never lost any coolant before I replaced the gaskets...not to bad of a job.

I am sorry for all of your losses, and I do think that Ford should be responsible for so of the cost that most of you incurred. Good luck with getting them to compensate you.

I am glad that this thread was started, otherwise I would have had the same problem, I'm sure.

Chad

[samesadstory]

It's a shame that we have to deal with this situation which Ford refuses to deal with. I just went to get another motor for $1,395.00 which had a 90 day warranty. I found out that I could have my engine rebuilt for $1,495.00 and have a year warranty. That's not covering the cost of having the engine pulled and replaced which I don't know yet how much will cost. Best guess is I'll be out of at least 2K.

Either way knowing what I know now about the 97 Ford F-150 just blows my mind. Tried to contact 800 number to lodge a complaint and all I get is, this call may be recorded for -------- purposes, then I get a busy signal. Don't know what I'll do, but I'm going to continue to ask and seek until there are no more options. I currently have 132K miles and first noticed approximately 6 months ago that this was a problem. Started with excessive white smoke, then coolant loss. At present truck still starts with a slight ticking sound. Changed oil, flushed coolant and still the noise.

If this is what we've come to in the good old US we're in trouble. I've actually taken the time to read 20 pages of negative feedback against Ford and the 4.2L V6 and am amazed that we haven't been able to get some satisfaction. Again don't know what if anything can be done, but I'll use every resource available to keep trying. In the meantime if anyone heres anything that we can do please e-mail me. I would not hesitate to be a part. Needless to say I don't know who my next vehicle purchase will be from, but I do know it won't be a Ford.

P.S. Ford I know you're reading so it would do you good to rectify this situation with us. Have a BLESSED DAY!!!!

[The Horseshoer]

1998 F150 4.2 6 cyl. 114,000 miles. Same as all the others here. Ran fine when shut off, knocking & white smoke on restart. Never knew about recall.
Adding small amounts of coolant periodicly over the years. Currently in shop having $3000 worth of eng put in.

Ford, if you have someone reading this be advised: I have been a constant Ford owner as a 49 yr old man and you are obviously aware that this is your baby and costing your patrons dearly. Not to mention company ethics. If I do not realize any compensation from Ford for my expenses I will take my sack of greenbacks elsewhere forever when I go truck buying. If my finances were
not what they are at present I would unload this truck as is for what I can and take the 3K the new eng is costing me and make it part of my next non-Ford purchase.
Jeff
Toano, VA

[The Horseshoer]

I tried the nice polite approach and got nowhere. I asked if this was a known problem with Ford and was told they showed nothing indicating it is. I asked if my truck had a recall for lower intake gaskets ever and was told no. I then
asked her what code she used to reply to any of my question and she said she had no idea what I was talking about. I got her name and told her that I wanted it to be noted on her end that I expect to be notified when Ford decides to fess up and there is some reimbursement $ put out. (Yeah, right)Add me to the list to do anything to get a class-action going.
lschmidt62@cox.net

[larsarch]

Hi, I just had a ford f150 4.2 v6 failed that I have babied and serviced extremely well fail at 100,000. I serviced the entire truck to go 200,000+.
I will be glad to join class action suit.
Rick Larson

[Fudbert]

Thank you for asking them about the reply code. You may actually be the first person ever to do that since this has only come out in some of Ford's class action trials.

Also, please posters, keep your comments about this topic in this thread and don't start a new one. I would hope the System Administrator would be kind enough to sort the threads in the Automobile and Truck forum and move them to the appropriate thread, or this one. It can turn into a real mess and this thread could get buried. Hey, almost 45,000 views, so let's not get this forum a tangled mess.

[administrator]

Unfortunately, with this particular Forum software it is not possible to pick-and-choose specific posts within a thread and move them. I can only move threads back and forth between different Forum topics.

SO, I support Fudbert's suggestion wholeheartedly. Stay in the same thread to discuss this topic instead of starting new ones, unless the focus is substantially different.

Thanks for your input, everyone. This continues to be a very lively and informative Forum.

The Administrator

[Nation]

@ 97k miles our F150 took a dump in the drive, my grandfather raised so much hell with Ford Motor Co. that they gave him reman engine and all he payed was the labor. I am still pissed since I have found out abou this issue here! But....If you raise enough hell with the MAIN OFFICES in Detroit you will get some action. Also if you bought the truck used and it gets crappy milage disconnect the battery and turn on the headlight switch and leave it sit for 45 minutes. This is how you reset the computer to default and then the computer will learn your driving techniques/manners. I have gone from 15-15 mpg to 18-22 in town! :eek:

[Dead 98 F150]

My '98 4.2L V6 F150 crapped out on me just this week at 103,000 miles. :mad: I take care of that truck like it's my baby! I began noticing that my coolant level was dropping slightly and the heater was becoming unreliable about 2 months ago, but had no idea that there was a known issue with the gasket. I even asked around but no one seemed to know what might be causing that to happen. I'm told that a rebuilt engine will have the upgraded gasket that will not produce the same result, but I'm skeptical. This is the first time I've ever had to deal with something like this and any words of wisdom and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[The Horseshoer]

[QUOTE=Dead 98 F150]My '98 4.2L V6 F150 crapped out on me just this week at 103,000 miles. :mad: I take care of that truck like it's my baby! I began noticing that my coolant level was dropping slightly and the heater was becoming unreliable about 2 months ago, but had no idea that there was a known issue with the gasket. I even asked around but no one seemed to know what might be causing that to happen. I'm told that a rebuilt engine will have the upgraded gasket that will not produce the same result, but I'm skeptical. This is the first time I've ever had to deal with something like this and any words of wisdom and advice would be greatly appreciated.[/QUOTE]
I am just fixin to leave go pick mine up-$3437.00, thats for a long block and needed some extras-flywheel turned, belt tensioner gear, belt, plug wires, etc...I am skeptical too but made sure the mechanic(I went to a place that does nothing but rebuild/install engines) and sent the TSB report and the info on the old gaskets and # of the recommended replacement gaskets. My truck is in good shape and I couldn't take $3500 and a broke truck, and come out with a similar deal. Pending of course how my new engine fares. Atleast I have a 3 yr 75,000 mi warrantee. Good luck.

[Lobtuf]

Hey, well after I spent $4200 on my rebuilt engine, I got 3year, unliminited mileage warranty but it doesn't take the sting out of hveing to spend that money on a engineering flaw Ford new about and refused to stand up and take corrective action! :mad:

[The Horseshoer]

[QUOTE=Lobtuf]Hey, well after I spent $4200 on my rebuilt engine, I got 3year, unliminited mileage warranty but it doesn't take the sting out of hveing to spend that money on a engineering flaw Ford new about and refused to stand up and take corrective action! :mad:[/QUOTE]
What engine did ya get? I got a 4 Star long block. They are made in Hutchinson, Kansas. A couple of my clients referred me to the place that did my work and they were satisfied with their engines, the warranty, and the shop and its staff, so not being a motorhead and also not a native of the area it was the best I had to go on.

What was your experience and what is your understanding of life expectancy
of your new one? Just curious.
Jeff

[BJE]

Same as everyone else. I went into the store last August came out tried to start my 97 F150 and everything froze up on me. I brought a friend over to look at it and he tried to start it all of a sudden it turned over, I have never heard a noise like that come from an engine before. It has been sitting at a friends place ever since. I will be done making payments on it in May I don't know if its worth spending $4,000.00 bucks on it or not. I called ford and got the same responce as everyone else. A person would think that if we all have called Ford someone would had heard of this problem ya think.

[shinerxx]

I did a search on the internet that led me here. I have a '97 F-150 4.2L leaking coolant. I just received word from my local mechanic that my timing cover is leaking coolant. Is my problem most likely the one discussed in detail here? It would seem to me it is indeed. My vehicle has about 64K miles on it.

[medic63]

I feel lucky I had 162,000 on my 98 f-150 when it happened. Last August my wife went to work, came out tried to start it loud clang noise, $3000+ later I'm driving it again. With that many miles I still feel Ford has let me down. Next time Tundra or other.

[Fudbert]

Once again folks, please keep the gasket defects posts in this thread and don't start a new one.

[kertur]

97 F150 4.2 102K miles. Had the hesitation for a few years, humidity coming from the tailpipe, thought it was just living in Houston. A few times my truck had overheated, refilled the radiator and I just wondered if it maybe was too hot outside..? Now looking back, well 80 degrees is not too hot. I drove the vehicle 5-6 days a week, last drive was 200+ miles to the coast and back. Filled up with anti-freeze as a cold-front was coming. The next day, rented a car, and went on a vacation. 5 days later went to return the car, wife jumped in the rental, I jumped in the truck, went to start, about 1/2 revolution later a "pop" which to me sounded like a bent/broken rod. Since I just dropped $1500.00 on a complete brake job, and rear pinion gear I decided just to purchase a new car and let the truck set awhile. I began checking out the web as the father-in-law said it was probably the starter and I had my doubts. Putting in the symptoms came across this website.

There was no water in the oil that I could tell but I do remeber when changing the oil seeing condensation (white cream) on the filler cap. Anyway three months later the truck finally made it to the repair shop where I was told the engine was locked up and would need to be rebuilt. They could not give me an exact diagnosis but I believe we all know the culprit. Anyway $2700 for a rebuild plus new battery/terminals/wires/etc=> total $3250.00. I guess letting it set for five days was the final stake to the heart. Well, I figured out what to do with my income tax check anyway.........

[shinerxx]

I just got off the phone with the Ford recall information center to see if the ONP 99B29 was ever even carried out on my preowned truck. It was not completed because my truck "was not manufactured at the correct plant that the ONP was scheduled for". I then asked what plants were included and the gentleman said he did not know and could not find out for me. He also told me I could go to a authorized Ford dealership and ask them. The dealership told me to call the Ford recall information center.
Disgruntled, I took my paperwork into a mechanic shop recommended to me. I handed some paperwork to the gentleman at the shop and the first words he said to me, "What problems are you having. Oh wait you own a 1997 Ford truck. Thats your main problem right there."

[donker13]

99 Ford F150 52,000 miles 4.2 Liter Engine. Same identical problem. Has anyone made any headway with ford? If you recieve this please reply to disphil@yahoo.com. :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[bigbob]

My 2000 ford engine quit after only 78,000 miles on it. I kept up with maintenance on it.

The ford authorized dealership checked my truck on August 30th 2005 and gave it the big O.K., while the warranty was still in effect. My warranty expired in September. On November 1st my truck just quit in the middle of the highway. I was told the oil pressure dropped and turned into sludge. Even though the motor was full of oil, the engine locked up. Its going to cost me over 3,000 for a new motor.

Ford will not help on the bill because they say our warranty is expired, and the dealership claimed they didn't notice in defects when the motor was checked while we still had our warranty.

I believe Ford should be held responsible for their bad motors. If there is a class action suit against Ford or any recalls on their motors. I would like to be contacted: coateslr@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Bob

[two slow]

mine just died out this week. I may be lucky and save it though. I drove it in the morning and it ran fine. in the evening it wouldn't start. I found anti-freeze in the first cylinder on the passengers side. Do you think I can get away with a gasket or do you think I need to replace the engine?
I don't think the truck is worth a new engine.

[LoneStar]

I started reading these forums about two years ago. My 97' 4.2L F150 finally dies at 201,000 miles. I kept up with oil changes...radiator flushes twice a year, and kept a close eye on the coolant level. This morning, I heard the sound of TAPS playing as the morning dew dripped from the windshield and white smoke flamed out of the tail pipe. It runs but we all know that it's on it's last leg...I am putting her down this weekend. :eek:

Well, at least I managed to reach the 200K marker. Some poor souls never made it past 75K.

[mignottoc]

If you are only experiencing white smoke your engine may be salvagable. Mine began the smoke routine at 113k about three weeks ago, took it to a quality private shop which replaced the intake manifold gasket and all needed associated parts,cost $455, and its running great.

If your truck is still in good condition other than the needed gasket work, seems likely its worth spending the money to bring it back to service.

[hypothermia69]

My family has always been proud owners of Ford trucks. I bought mine used with 60K for $4500 (great deal right?), and had it for 3 years with no problems. I reached the 100k marker, keeping up with all oil changes, etc. just like most ppl on this forum. Just had the breaks, exhaust, and spray in liner installed. Started going through a gallon of coolant every week. Dealer told me the block was cracked. Found this forum, and made a beeline to the Honda dealer. They gave me KBB on the trade. I miss my truck... but I won't be missing the $4500 the dealership quoted me on the new engine (Block cracked in a matter of 2 weeks). I baby my vehicles, and am a Maintenance Nazi (rain or shine work gets done on time). Best of luck to the rest of you. Trying to get my wife out of her '03 Explorer, then going to stick with a make that GETS 200k+ miles and stands behind their product.

Ritz

[Seabizkit]

Maybe someone can help me here. I have a 98 F150 with an engine build date of May 1998. I read somewhere that the bad gaskets were on engines built before Jan 1998. I have had my truck for just over 6 years and I have always had a problem with it doing what I call a hiccup. One time about a year a go when I drove through a huge puddle, my engine light came on and the truck started to buck real bad, the code was for a #2 cylinder misfire. When its damp outside my truck tends to hiccup more often. I have changed the plugs, wires and coilpack thinking that was the problem. My truck has 80,000 miles on it now and I really hope I dont have to replace my engine someday as I love my truck. Just this morning I checked my coolant level and had to add about a half a quart maybe a little more. So Im thinking it was only a little low. I havent had my system flushed in over a year so maybe thats normal to be a little low. This may sound dumb but how can I check to see if I have colant in my cylinders? If I find out that this is the bad gasket problem I will be researching into a small claims court about it. Does anyone think I may have the bad gaskets in my truck? Please help.

Seabizkit

[Lobtuf]

A very non-mechanical way to check this is to smell your exhaust. Most of the time you can smell the coolant in the exhaust.

[hondaracin338]

just bought it with 137k on it, never heard bad stuff on it now i read this crap. when i start it has white smoke for about 15 minutes. im 16 waiting for my license and i drive it around the driveway, it leaves a trail of water from the exaust pipe, but goes away in 15-20 minutes. should i be concerned?? please reply and tell me if i should resell. thanks.,

[shinerxx]

I posted earlier about my leaking front cover gasket. I had it replaced and the truck ran fine for about a week. Then, the truck started losing oil pressure and I had to tow the truck back to the mechanic. I waited too long to fix the leaking front cover and my bearings got corroded enough for bits of metal to clog up my oil pump screen. The engine still runs barely and I am in the process of buying a new vehicle; obviously something other than a Ford.

[The Horseshoer]

I am another victim, I am back a page or 2 in this forum. Mine died the classic death too. I had a new longblock put in which ran $3400 with a few
extras that needed replacing at the same time. After my truck was at the shop, but before they started work on it, I got to thinking. The longblock I got is a Four Star Engine, mfg in Leavenworth, Kansas. If I trusted a worldwide-known company like Ford to deliver an engine with my truck that
had quality, non-defective components and they screwed me then why would I put my trust in an engine company that I know nothing about other than making a prior survey around the automotive motor world and hearing that this is the motor to get? OR trust the shop owner to take the innitiative to make sure that my new 4.2 not only has new gaskets but NOT something
similar to what Ford recalled. What I did was ask the shop owner and he said well we have never had one come back with any gasket problems. That wasn't good enough so I said in a nice way that if he wasn't able to get ahold of Four Star Motor Co and get the part # of the gaskets they put in their 4.2s then I would have to find someone who had a better line of info
on the motor they are supplying. The TSB gives both the #s of the defective and recommended replacement gaskets. They can be (I did) cross-referenced. I have the right gaskets on my engine. Just posting this because
there could only be one thing worse than experiencing this once....
Jeff

[twinkyb]

I just wanted everyone to know that there is some recourse if neither the auto dealer or Ford will take responsibility for any repairs. Once you have given them the option to repair the defect and damage due to the defect, you then inform them that you will take it to a reputable repair person and that you will be contacting the Bureau of Auto Repair. They will investigate and recoup costs. The number to the B.A.R. is 1-800-952-5210. I was given this number by a transmission repair shop that I trust. I also reported per 'fordneveragain' to www.nhtsa.gov regarding the problem. When researching their site, I came up with a total of over 226 complaints regarding the same thing. Unfortunately people aren't aware that they are complaining about the same thing and list it under different categories.

[konstanz13]

'98 F-150. Same problems that everyone has had. The only thing that I can add is that the largest Ford dealership in Ohio was only too happy to charge me $400 for a new starter one month before my engine blew. Had I known that the problems I had starting my truck were due to the gasket and not the starter, I would have at least saved $400. I brought my truck back to that same dealership to get an estimate on my new engine and they quoted me $4900! I called another Ford dealership two miles down the road and the work done for $3400. SHOP AROUND! And if you're in Columbus Ohio, avoid "The World's Largest" Ford dealer...you know which one I mean. Anyway, I've posted a complaint with NHTSA and will keep checking this site. If any sort of class action suit is brought, I'd be happy to join, although I think that hitting Ford where it hurts would be best...through the media. NBC nightly news used to do a special called "The Fleecing of America". Something like this... some sort of national attention brought to this problem would be best, so that Ford would be forced to act by the court of public opinion.

[Wrench spinner]

I see a lot of blasting Ford over gaskets, but not much info other wise. The intial issue is timing cover gasket letting loose (will say I dont like the design of water passages through the timing cover, but GM and Chrysler as well as the imports have all done it). Which leads me to ask how would water get in the cylinders from a leaking timing cover gasket? The only way I know water gets in the cylinders is cracked heads, cracked block, or blown head gaskets, all of which are usually caused by severe over heating. Engines starting to knock after gasket work could be caused by two things. One the gasket in question let coolant into the crankcase over a good period of time, and coolant and used motor oil form an acid that eats bearings, not to mention less lubricity. The other possiblity is improper surface prep. For awile in the 80's and early 90s mechanics, my self included were using air powered right angle die grinders with 3 inch "scotch-loc" pads. Think your wifes green scrub pads on a 3 inch rotory sander. What we didnt know was these pads were not just nylon like your wifes but they had aluminum oxide imbeded in them. And it would get in the engine. Older vehicles had , by todays standards, "loose" tolerances on bearings. Once the tolerances started tightning up in production in later years, this was taking bearings out, sometimes in as little as 5,000 miles after the work. Sadly I still see some techs using these in areas they shouldn't be used.
If your adding coolant on a regular basis it has to be going somewhere. Continued operation with out finding out where is foolish.
And just so its not assumed, I dont work for Ford, nor a Ford dealer, and prefer to drive vehicles with bowties on the grill.

[P O'D Ford Owne]

I'm sitting at home fooling around on the computer while my 1997 F150 4.2L V6 is being replaced after having blown at 82'000 miles. Lo and behold I find this web site and a bunch more happy Ford owners. I was told by my dealer that my engine failure was just a fluke and not a common occurance. Man have I got some words for him tomorrow when I go pick up my truck. I tried going on the www.leakingfords.com site but it wont come up. I wanted to print it out and take it with me. I have registered a complaint with NHTSA as suggested here. If there is a class action suite brought, count me in. I think trying to get national media atention is a great idea but would'nt know how to go about doing it. If anyone does, speak up and lets all get involved.

[gfeens02]

:mad:

I went to work about a year ago the engine ran fine, when I got off work the engine no longer ran fine. Prior to that I replace gaskets, heater cores, hoses everything to stop the elusive disappearing coolant. Well I thought I took care of it but low and behold the damage was done. The truck or lawn ornament has 110,000 miles on it. I bought a non Ford product for my everyday driver with intentions of rebuilding the motor. Well since the demand is so high for replacements so is the price of parts and service.

Oh by the way let me know if anyone wants a non rolling billboard on a Ford F150 that says Ford Motor Company Sucks I have one that I can sell you.

:mad:

[scout800arist]

Like everyone else here, I was sitting here on the computer searching for replacement engines for my F-150. though, I had the same sounding problem as you guys did, but with the 4.6L...

I have 125K on the engine, when one day at start up she started knocking....i decided to take her the 4 miles to my family friend and mechanic, and half way there she blew to pieces...

So, now I must replace the motor. I too have never recieved any notification from the Ford Motor Company and I have owned this rig since New......so whos **** up is that one?

Anyway, just thought Id add to the list of not so happy Ford Customers...





No wonder my dad tried to get me to buy Mopar! :mad:

[jwright63]

I owned a '97 F150 that required a new engine 3 years ago at 120,000 miles. This was due to coolant leakage into the engine. I had the recall done and later had the timing cover gasket replaced. Still the engine failed due to coolant in the bearings. Stupid me found a good deal and bought another '97 F150. What's the saying: : "fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me." Now at 125,000 it to needs a new engine. I spent $900 putting new head gaskets on but only to find a month later that my bearings are bad. Now I'm told a new engine or park it somewhere. This means another $4000. No I'm not happy either. Ford should do something about this. If anyone finds someone to take our case count me in.
:mad: :mad: :mad:

[R Kruklis]

This is regarding my F150 97 V6 Ford Truck.
I am just another victim...
One morning it wouldn't start. I thought maybe the battery went dead checked and recharged, it was fine. I I insisted a little more and bam! The engine made a loud noise and a hard knocking sound followed. I thought it was going to blow up. I turn it off imediately. After having it towed to a garage and the mechanic took a look at it, he said he had to uncover the motor, but from the sound of it, it may have blown a rod. Well, there was water found in the plugs and after pulling the motor out, I am told that the motor can not be rebuilt.
I can't find a motor and I feel after reading many posts that I just another victim. I have never ever received or heard of any recalls by mail....

Anyway what is your advise? I can't find an engine for a reasonable price.
Even though the truck was well cared for is not worth much.
Any information on a class action with Ford or no hopes?

Reggie -
Atlanta - GA

[MotoChef]

Yep! I have a new Jasper engine on the way! $4000 bucks. It crapped out on start up last week. My guy said that the oil was clean.... I did have the white puff of smoke out the tail pipe. :confused: I reported it to the NHTSA. I had 90,000 on the truck. The body is mint and I'm seeing some 97-98 4.2L F-150's on Carmax and Vehix. Some are going for $3000 to $10,000. I put a new tranny in it about a year ago! New tires, brakes, battery! What the hell lets get a new engine!! My guy tried calling all the junk yards in the Chicagoland area he couldn't find ANY 4.2L engines! They go as fast as they come in! He also remarked about about the cost being high on them..

[Lobtuf]

<<Anyway what is your advise? I can't find an engine for a reasonable price.
Even though the truck was well cared for is not worth much. >>

Your probably looking in at $4000, give or take a couple hundred

[shuxclams]

11/16/2005 ~ Go in for a routine oil and lube. Attendant gives me details, I have air filter replaced and coolant added because it was low.

2/23/2006 ~ Go in for my routine oil and lube. I ask the attendant to look at the coolant, I tell him that it keeps getting low. Sure enough he comes back and lets me know its very low, did I want to put coolant in it.

4/28/2006 ~ I go to my 97 F-150 to head out to an interview, shirt and tie, cup of coffee and paperwork in hand. Put the key in the ignition and it wont turn over. It isn't the "battery is dead" won't turn over and I call my mechanic. He arrives and gets out his jumpers to see if it is a dead battery.

We look at the starter, electrical everything and can't seem to figure it out. He says to me, "you dont have any coolent, put some in the resivior" He asks me if I noticed anything odd, any hesitation the previous day, I tell him no, I lterally drove 3 miles to go to the market and that was it for driving yesterday.

He asks me to put it in reverese and we try and push it backwards to turn the motor over. It won't budge, at this point he says there has to be something in the cylinder(s), gas, water, oil, something and we'll pull the plugs and see what comes out tomorrow (4/29/2006).

I can not beleive that my motor has seized with no real warning, no noticable heat issue. Sure it has 129,600 miles on it, but I care for it well enough. So late at night realizing that I am likely going to have some big mechanical work done I google "Rebuilt Motor for 97 F-150" and see 4th item listed "I have a '97 F-150 4.2L leaking coolant." This grabs my attention as it had become almost routine and I find this thread.

I will find out how bad the damage is later today. I assume most of you have an idea of what it will be. I will post again what comes out of the plugs, I am pretty sure it will be coolant and if so I will file with the NHTSA. (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/home.cfm) (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/home.cfm) If there is anyone out there who is involved with are attempting to start a CAL then count me in.

Feel free to contact me - shuxclams AT scarieDELETEville DOT com

Thank you

[shuxclams]

It appears that the Lower Intake Gasket issue that was talked about in these threads is indeed the culprit. Here is the plug freshly pulled from Cy 2. -

Wet Plug (http://www.scarieville.com/pics/truck/Wet_Plug01.jpg)

Here is what happened when the plug came out -

Coolant Leaking (http://www.scarieville.com/pics/truck/Leaking_Coolant_Cy2.jpg)

And when we turn the motor over -

Coolant Spray (http://www.scarieville.com/pics/truck/Coolant_Spray_Cy2.jpg)

Good news about this however is that there is no knocking or hesitation when its turning, it sounds very clean and it appears that since we didnt get it to turn or that we didnt push it to hard to get it to turn over that I may have escaped a new motor. I am going to need a bunch of gaskets..... in particular the Lower Intake Gasket and the upper manifold etc.... it will run again, I just hope it wasn't damaged. We'll see.

Also here is another forums with good information - http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=473230

Agian, if you have had an issue with this you should add your voice to those who have filed a compliant.

Sean

[shuxclams]

UPDATE: (5/2/2006):

Truck is back in action! However, I am not giving up on making a stink about this issue. This should not be happening to otherwise perfectly good cars and trucks, regardless of their mileage.

Agian, if you have experienced this you should really report this.





SHUX

[csquared]

Well I stumbled across this running down some information for a friend. 1997 Ford 4.2 v6, guess what his has the same problem. He had it fixed and now has no oil pressure after the engine warms up. Anybody have any idea what else is wrong? Also my brother in law, 1998 Ford same exact deal. I am glad my last one was a GMC.

[csquared]

Well I stumbled across this running down some information for a friend. 1997 Ford 4.2 v6, guess what his has the same problem. He had it fixed and now has no oil pressure after the engine warms up. Anybody have any idea what else is wrong? Also my brother in law, 1998 Ford same exact deal. I am glad my last one was a GMC.

[BlueOvalFitter]

[QUOTE=csquared]Well I stumbled across this running down some information for a friend. 1997 Ford 4.2 v6, guess what his has the same problem. He had it fixed and now has no oil pressure after the engine warms up. Anybody have any idea what else is wrong? Also my brother in law, 1998 Ford same exact deal. I am glad my last one was a GMC.[/QUOTE]
Did he have the timing cover recall done? If not his timing cover might be leaking internally and the coolant has wiped out the bearings.In any case,it sounds as if the bearings are bad. :mad:

[shuxclams]

I have had it running for two days now and I just now noticed that I am having issues with Oil pressure. I did replace the oil after I got it back together so I am going to check into the sender assembly now, maybe a fould pump or filter.... I honestly dont know what this issue is.... but isnt that an odd thing.

[csquared]

My friend has already changed his oil sending unit and the oil pump, made no difference. He seems to think that this is an engine idle issue, like the engine needs to idle up. When truck is in gear and stopped.

[cooljoebay]

I gotta say I have been right there with you.

Ten years ago I didn't know **** about cars. My dad was always a "FORD" man but that's because he doesn't believe in change. And also because he still believes that only the "old" vehicles were built to last. He's right. Every FORD I have owned has been a piece of ****. And because of high mechanic bills I finally decided to learn how to fix them myself. 10 years later I can fix any engine or transmission. Looking back I see just how flawed FORD is. Not only flawed but you can also see the conspiracy in their work. They basically build a piece of junk and fix it so you will not only have to replace many parts, but also use special tools to repair it. Yes, it's a fact that just about every kind of car nowdays is junk but when you compare them all it really does make sense to buy a Chevy instead of a Ford, and that's not saying alot compared to the early 90s and before. I own several vehicles and have fixed many different cars. I personally think the most reliable engine for the home mechanic is the 2.5L 4 Cyl. Dodge engine. You can find them in Dodge Spirit, Sundance, Le Baron, Shadow, Acclaim, etc. These are very reliable cars and so damn easy to fix. Even the transmission is very easy to get out and rebuild yourself. Ford Mustangs are amongst the junkiest damn cars I know of. The best cars being made today are Toyota. And that's because the japs are serious about their work and don't waste their time trying to steal our money like American companies. Wake up. The Geo Prism is also a very reliable car. Most trucks aren't reliable at all. Bottom line is stay the hell away from an F-series FORD. You'll be sorry. My dad is on his 8th Ford truck because he gets tired of working on the same one.

[shuxclams]

[QUOTE=csquared]My friend has already changed his oil sending unit and the oil pump, made no difference. He seems to think that this is an engine idle issue, like the engine needs to idle up. When truck is in gear and stopped.[/QUOTE]

I am changing out my sending unit as we speak....... Please keep me informed on this, my email is in my profile.



Sean

[shuxclams]

[QUOTE=ontaylorspond]Just saw a story on NBC about Ford pickup recall, the truck is catching fire, the story ran tonight, January 27th 2004. I am going to e-mail NBC info about Fords V-6 problems that they will not fess up to. I urge everyone that has had problems with this engine to contact NBC, maybe a little publicity will help us.
Just bought a 97 Ford Van with the V-6, it only had 40k miles, did not find out about problem with engines till after purchase. I have a slight knock, low oil pressure when I come to a stop and lossing antifreeze. What to do?[/QUOTE]

Replace the lower intake gasket ASAP.... do not use your truck until that is completed. Low oil pressure I cant figure out.....



Sean

[csquared]

[QUOTE=shuxclams]I am changing out my sending unit as we speak....... Please keep me informed on this, my email is in my profile.


I tried to send an e-mail but it says I do not have that use yet. But anyway the fellow whos truck has no oil pressure has given up. Spent too much money so far, says truck is a piece of crap, it looks good, no dents, still shines, sounds good (now that gaskets are repaired) just no oil pressure at idle after engine warms up. I am not a mechanic, but I heard one tell him that his rod bearnings are bad. That his problem with the gaskets was repaired too late. I told him about the timing cover gasket recall, he bought the truck used and did not know if that has been done. I feel sure the local Ford place could tell him. He and my brother in law both said if there is any kind of a law suit count them in.

[csquared]

Also this guy took the sending unit out and put a manual gauge on the truck and let it warm up and found out, that at least the sending unit was working. Same problem only now he knows how little oil pressure he has, I think he said it bounces from 5 to 15 pounds.

[BlueOvalFitter]

As I stated before,your bearings are gone. Time to add a crank kit or rebuild. :(

[shuxclams]

I replaced my sending unit and I am solid on oil, if the bearings got tweaked I should know by now... shouldnt I?




Sean

[ragingfool]

97 F-150 with 86k miles
same story of low coolant over a 6 month period
zero oil pressure at idle, fault code "#2 cylinder misfire"
found this forum and stopped driving truck.
dissassembly showed lower intake gasket "o-ring" failure
around coolant passage at #1 cylinder.
pulled heads and checked piston hieght from deck
thankfully all checked out within .006" so no bent rods.
replaced front cover gasket as well.
called FelPro about the new gaskets, but all they could
say is that if Ford changed specs then Felpro stays current
and manufactures to current specs.
still in process of putting engine back together

have pics of bad gaskets if anyone interested
email me

[arod1979]

You guys will never guess what happened to me this week. Seriously, go ahead and try to guess..........yeah yeah I've been adding quite a bit of coolant the past few months, but that’s not it, Keep guessing.............yeah it was taking two cranks to get my truck started and a few minutes to get it running smooth, but that’s still not it.......come on, guess.............oohhh, very close, yes I did try to start my truck the other day and there was an extremely loud banging noise coming from my engine coupled with white smoke billowing out the tail pipes….but I self diagnosed that problem and upon doing so hypothesized that there was a deer sleeping under my truck and it's skull was caught by my fan and smacking it against my engine at a rate faster than ford's dropping stock prices. Ok Ok, you got it, I snapped a rod due to a leaking head gasket in my 4.2L in my 97' F150. But I don't feel soooo bad cause I only have to pay $3,600 to get it replaced...............Ugh. Another sucker who bought a ford.

[TempestAmber]

had my 1998 f-150 v6 4.2 hydolock on me last summer expect to pay about 3200 for a rebuilt engine...suggest that you don't get a reman from ford have a good mechanic do it for you...1 cylinder piston rod was bent following start up luckly did not drive it but 15 miles then shut it down and called a towtruck so they were able to use the main block and rebuild the engine. Ford will never admitt the problem will cost to much to recall.

[first&lastFord]

I bought my first Ford truck to pull my popup and, sure enough, the V-6 4.2L engine had the same problems you've been talking about: low coolant prior to engine problems, CE code P302 - cylinder 2 misfire - won't hold vacuum and is getting noisy. It's a 1998 F-150 with just over 80,000 miles. I've parked it for now to consider my next move. Has anyone had any luck with the Zone office? I was told if I hollered loud enough at the dealership in front of the Zone rep. I would get satisfaction because Ford would rather settle than be sued. first&lastFord

[bubba71]

i have a 2000 F-150 Quad cab. this week i started it up and it has a rod banging the side of the block. i set here and read all of these ppls remarks about ford and im with them this is bs. my truck has 85000 miles on it and i dont have it paid off yet. they sure dont make engines like they used to. this is the last ford truck i ever buy. i have friends that have 2002 ford truck and all they been having is trouble.

[meems01]

[FONT=Verdana]We bought a Ford 1998 F150 to use for our yardcare business ... we do not haul anything huge, just your yard care equipment, we went out one day to start the truck and heard a clunck sort of noise! Had it towed to our mechanic, and sure enough, thrown a rod! Our F150 has around 82,000 miles give or take. Our mechanic called Ford because he was very puzzled as to why this well cared for truck would do this on low miles. Ford began to say that if we have hauled anything to heavy for the engine, it will cause a rod to be thrown! PLEASE!!! not the right answer. We do not have the $3,000 to $3,500 to fix our truck. We just bought it alittle over 16 months ago! and still making payments on it! This is so unfair of Ford to know that this engine has had issues ... my family has been a Ford family for over 60 years!! they really need to step up to the plate and take care of this!!!
Any one who has any advise on what to do next, please post it to this thread!! [/FONT]

[marc30]

A month or two ago i noticed that my truck (97 ford f150 4.2L) would start very hard .. almost like the starter was going ... so 2 weeks ago i hop in and try to start the truck .. it turns over for 2 seconds and then a loud bang and then nothing... i replaced the starter and i got it to turn over but its sounds like i threw a rod ... i havent taken it anywhere yet but i assume i will get the same story .... (new motor).... the engine has 156,000 on it so maybe it was just time for it to go ... i neve got any recall notice about the gasket or anything else for that matter .. anyway i know one thing for sure i will never buy another FORD again

[maillemaker]

Hi Wrench Spinner

The intial issue is timing cover gasket letting loose (will say I dont like the design of water passages through the timing cover, but GM and Chrysler as well as the imports have all done it). Which leads me to ask how would water get in the cylinders from a leaking timing cover gasket?

I think it is really two separate issues. Yes, there was an issue with a leaking gasket on the timing cover. I think I recall even seeing recal or notice paperwork regarding that issue.

That issue results in internal coolant loss that goes into your oil and can damage the bearings.

There is a second issue, and that is the one that causes hydrolocking. The issue is the gaskets between the lower intake manifold and the cylinder heads. Specifically, the area of the gasket around the #1 and #4 cylinders. The gasket fails in that region and allows coolant to seep into the #1 or #4 cylinder.

Typically, the failure works like this:

While the engine is running, the coolant system is under pressure. The system is pressurized to raise the boiling point of the coolant so that it stays liquid (steam is not a very good heat transfer medium). This is why you never want to open the radiator on a hot engine - the coolant is under pressure and when the cap is removed it will burst out flashing into steam and can scald you.

Also when the engine is running, obviously there is pressure in the pistons from the gasoline/air explosions that make the engine go.

So while the engine is running, with small leaks coolant cannot typically get into the cylinder, because the combustion pressure keeps the coolant out.

But, when you shut the engine off, it's another matter entirely. Because now there is no pressure inside the cylinders, but the engine is still hot, and so the coolant system is still under pressure. With nothing to stop the leaking coolant, it freely leaks into the cylinder. The next day, when you go to start the engine, the cylinder tries to rise to the top of the cylinder but finds it full of coolant. Unlike the air usually in the piston, coolant is not compressible. But something has to give, and often that is the piston or connecting rod.

This is why so many people report the problem as, "My car worked fine yesterday, but when I started it the next morning it went boom!" Literally the car works fine one day and not the next. That's because the cylinder filled up with coolant after the engine was shut down.

There are symptoms to this problem as it is developing, but most people don't see it (I didn't either, and I'm an engineer). The first thing that most people notice is coolant loss. Either their engine overheats, which draws their attention to their coolant tank, which they find to be low, or, just through usual maintainence, they find it to be low. I noticed that my coolant would run low, and I'd have to top it off every 6 months or so. Now, being an engineer, I did wonder, "Where did the coolant go?". The coolant can only go 3 places - either it leaks out of the engine, in which case you find it on the ground, or it leaks into the engine, either going into the combustion chamber where it gets burned up or into the oil. If it goes into the oil, when you pull your dipstick it often looks like "chocholate milk". My oil looked fine, and I didn't see any evidence of leaks on the ground. So I just assumed that at 100,000+ miles the engine was getting a little worn and the coolant was slowly leaking out somewhere besides the oil and the logical thing was just to keep an eye on the coolant and top it off from time to time.

Another symptom is "white exhaust" on startup until the engine warms up. What this is is the water vapor (coolant) being burned out of the engine. Unfortunately since the exhaust pipe is usually out the back passenger side of the truck, most drivers never see it.

Another symptom is the engine runs "rough" until it warms up. This is because the engine is dealing with coolant in the cylinders and higher than normal compression until it burns the coolant out. I noticed this about a week before the engine would not turn over.

The final symptom is you turn the key and the engine turns over about 1/4 turn going rrrrUMP! It sounds just like a dead battery - you get a bit of a crank and then dead. What has just happened is your piston rose to top-dead-center, couldn't compress the coolant trapped there, and it stalled out the starter - the motor wouldn't turn over any more. But most people, suspecting a dead battery, do the natural thing - the try the ignition again. Sometimes the starter is able to spin the motor enough to overcome the hydrolock and fire the engine. And then, with the horsepower of the whole engine behind it, it tries to compress that coolant-filled piston again - at full engine speed. Unfortunately, for most people at this point either the piston connecting rod bends or breaks (this is what connects the crankshaft to the piston) or the piston breaks. When this happens you hear tremendous knocking in the engine and you know your engine has been catastrophically damaged.

I got lucky - my engine went rrrUMP and stalled, but did not damage on subsequent firing of the engine (at least it sounded fine).

I did not know about these forums or the extent or cause of the problem at the time, and took the truck to a dealership who told me I needed "new head gaskets" and that the cylinder heads should be milled flat when doing this, for about $2500. I wasn't going to rebuild the top-end of a 100,000+ mile engine, though, because often if you tighten up the mechanical clearances of the top end of a high-mileage engine the blow-by on the bottom end is accelerated. Ford wanted about $4000 to replace the engine, though they finally came down to about $3400 once I started talking about doing it myself. Ultimately I did it myself anyway. I bought a remanufactured engine from A2Z Engines ( www.a2zengines.com ) for about $1700 and replaced it myself. I got a remanufactured transmission and replaced it at the same time (the truck was already on its 2nd transmission and I didn't want to go to all the effort to pull the engine and 30,000 miles later need to pull it again to do the tranny, so for another $1200 bucks or so I did the tranny, too).

All told, I spent about $4000 to replace the engine and transmission with remanufactured ones, plus tools. I figure it was a good deal as A) I replaced the engine and transmission for what Ford would have just replaced the engine for. B) I got a new set of tools that I can use for other things. C) For $4000, I got a truck with a brand new drivetrain that should last for another 100,000 miles. The rest of the truck is in excellent shape, and I could not have bought a used truck as good as this one now is for $4000.

I did call the attorney involved with one of the Ford class-action lawsuits, but they never called me back and I did not follow up.

Steve

[pavan]

DEAR ALL,
IT SURE IS A MATTER OF DISGRACE FOR FORD INDIA TO HAVE A SERVICE CENTER LIKE
SAMARA FORD, WELL I GUESS BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.
THE CAR WAS COLLECTED BY SAMARA FORD FOR RECTIFICATION OF ALL REPEAT
PROBLEMS. TO MY SURPRISE THE CAR WAS ONCE AGAIN SENT TO ME WITHOUT ANY WORK
BEING DONE. I HAVE NOT ACCEPTED THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN BOUGHT TO THE NOTICE
OF MR. SHYAM SERVICE MANAGER SAMARA FORD.
I PROPOSE YOU TAKE THIS CAR AND KEEP IT IN YOUR MUSEUM. I SHALL MOST
CERTAINLY SIGN ALL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY YOU TO TRANSFER THIS CAR TO FORD
INDIA FREE OF COST.
GOD REST HENRY FORD SOUL IN PEACE.
Regards,
Pavan Varma

----- Original Message -----
From: "Arya, Saurabh (S.)" <sarya@ford.com>
To: "pavan" <pavan@repairelec.com>
Cc: "Zia, Tariq (T.)" <tzia1@ford.com>
Sent: 07/07/2006 12:38 PM
Subject: RE: A POOR IKON CUSTOMER


Dear Mr. Pavan,
We have received your letter & regeret to note the contents mentioned in the
same.
We are taking the matter with the concerned Dealer & will revert to you.

Kinldy bear with us till then.

Assuring of our support at all times.

Regards,
Saurabh

-----Original Message-----
From: pavan [mailto:pavan@repairelec.com]
Sent: 06 July 2006 14:08
To: Arya, Saurabh (S.); Zia, Tariq (T.)
Cc: SWRVICEMANAGERFORD@SAMARA-GROUP.COM
Subject: A POOR IKON CUSTOMER

DEAR ALL,

I AM AN UNFORTUNATE OWNER OF A FORD IKON AND AM WRITING THIS MAIL TO LIGHTEN
MY HEART. FURTHER I AM SURE, LIKE IN THE PAST I AM NOT GOING TO RECEIVE ANY
REPLY TO THIS MAIL.



IN SHORT KINDLY ASK FOR ALL THE RECORDS OF MY CAR FROM BOTH THE BRANCHES OF
HARPREET FORD AND SAMARA FORD, YOU WILL FIND THAT BETWEEN FORD INDIA AND MY
SELF WE HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY THAN THE COST OF THE CAR WITHIN ITS DOING
75000 KM.



THE LATEST BEING THE ATTACHED INVOICE FROM SAMARA FORD FOR OVER Rs. 17000.00
(FIRST I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF ABOUT 11000.00 JUST BEFORE THE DELIVERY
THE ESTIMATE WAS REVISED FOR OVER 17000.00) AND WITH A LIST OF WORK TO BE
DONE OF OVER Rs. 25000.00. THIS AMOUNTS TO OVER 25% OF THE PRESENT CAR COST.



THE ABOVE CAR WAS DELIVERED TO AFTER 3 DAYS WITH NIL FUEL, WHILE I GIVE THE
CAR I HAD PUT IN 10L. THE CAR STALLED EVEN BEFORE IT REACHED THE PETROL
PUMP, WHICH IS ABOUT ½ KM FROM MY OFFICE.



THE CAR NOW HAS A NEW FEATURE THAT WHEN YOU LEAVE THE ACCELERATOR THE RPM
GOES TO OVER 2000 AND THE AFTER ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS IT COME BACK TO ABOUT
1000



I AM SURE IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN FORD INDIA A GREAT AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO PRODUCE
SUCH A POOR QUALITY.



IT IS MY PERSONAL OPINION THAT THE FOLLOWING STATUTORY REMARKS SHOULD BE PUT
ON ALL DOCUMENTS OF IKON;



" WE UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE BOUGHT THE IKON IN JOSH, BUT CAN YOU AFFORD A
FORD???????????????"



KINDLY BE INFORMED THAT YOU WILL NOT HOLD FORD INDIA RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
QUALITY AND HIGH MAINTENANCE OF THE FORD IKON CAR.



THANK YOU FOR READING THIS MAIL.



WITH WARM REGARDS

PAVAN VARMA

95 SUNDER NAGAR,

NEW DELHI-110003

9810030438

DL3CP8304

MODEL DEC 1999.

[Nothappy1]

I have a 97 F-150 with the 4.2 V6 Engine that is showing all the symptoms of the Front Cover Gasket problem. My question is this, does anyone know of Legal action being taken to correct this problem something like a Class Action Suit complaints to the Federal Trade Commission the Better Business Bureau.
Why should the consumer have to pay to fix something Ford knew was broken.

[Nothappy1]

Link to Legal Advice
http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/

[johnnieringo]

I Am Amazed At All The Similar Breakdowns In The 4.2 An Ford Completely Turning Their Nose Up At Their Loyal Customers. I Bought A Ford Xl F-150 Brand New In 1997, Unfortunately It Had The 4.2 V-6. It Had About 112,000 Miles On It And My Son Is Stationed In Nellis Afb. We Live In Kansas--so He Was Going Ot Drive It To Nellis And When He Deployed I Would Fly Out And Drive The Truck Home---well--guess What. When He Arrived In Las Vegas, The Truck Made A Terrible Noise And Quit Running. I Called Ford And They Mentioned That It Was Probably A Gasket Issue, The Motor Was Ruined But For $4000 Another Motor Could Be Installed. I Asked If There Had Been Problems With That Particular Motor And I Was Told "no". I Did Some Checking On The Web And Found Out The 4.2 Had A Gasket Flaw That Could Have Been Corrected To Solve This Problem. There Was Supposedly A Gasket Recall But I Never Received One. I Have Been A Loyal For Owner For Years But All This Is Ready To Change. Now My Son Is Without Transportation In Las Vegas And Could Be Deployed Who Knows When And He Has To Worry About What To Do With The Truck.
I Have This To Say To Ford!!!!!!!!!! Stand Up And Take Responsibility For Your Product!!! There Have Been Too Many Similar Defects In The 4.2 To Make It Coincidental!!!! Be A Leader And Stand Behind What You Build And You Will Retain Your Loyal Ford Customers. When You Deny A Defect You Are Not Fooling Anyone, You Just Give The Automotive Industry A Worse Name Than It Already Has.

[badford2]

We too, have a 1997 F150 4.2L,and have had all the "symptoms" leading up to and ultimately into engine crash mode. We took it to our mechanic and were told the same thing about the coolant leak into the cylinders causing the rod to break. He also said that, yes, we could replace the bearings, but we could have the same problem at any time. So he of course suggested a new engine-YIKES! Our truck has over 150,000, so I guess we are kinda lucky compared to some other folks. The bottom line is, however, that we are all in the same boat and no recourse. It is totally disgusting that Ford knows about this problem and will not even offer to help. On top of that it seems that there is no one to help get Ford to accept responsibility. If anyone hears of a way to get help, please fill the rest of us in. We would be on board for a class action suit. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[bluzbkr]

At 82,000 miles my 97 F-150's bearings and oil pump went out while stuck in Amarillo,TX on my way home. Well ,I got a rebuilt Jasper engine installed and at 86,000 miles my new rebuilt engine broke the crank and harmonic balancer here in Austin. Of course Jasper has a warranty that they tried not to honor. However,I am getting free brand new rebuilt Jasper (Ford) 4.2 V6 engine installed as I write this post. Of course the labor is not free. I would like to know if there is a chance for a class action suit against Ford or Jasper. My original complaint is really against Ford

[gblack]

I have read a number of postings about bent connecting rods with Ford engines. I had identical failure with my 1997. Some postings have suggested class action lawsuits. Does anybody know of such a lawsuit being filed and who I could contact? Thanks!

[dsulli1962]

Well this is my first time ever posting to a forum...but I felt compelled to on this subject..I am a female and can say I don't have a full knowledge of engine components and how they work but I can say this much. My husband bought a used 1998 Ford F-150 and it was one of the worst mistakes he has ever made (and he's made some doosies). The engine blew up after only about a year and was replaced with a 4.something L Romeo engine (which was what was in it) About a year after that it blew up again (water in the thingy where oil should have been - you guys know what I'm talking about I'm sure). Well we would just junk it out but for one problem the truck looks great inside and out..and we've stuck way to much money in it to just junk it out for scrap...so what choice do we have but to search for another rebuilt/remanufactured engine for a Romeo which by the way don't come cheap....my babies are missing their shoes because of Ford and I'm not happy with this at all. The other thing is that I have always owned Fords, from my first thunderbird (yeah I know telling my age now) to our 2 ford Aerostars to our current ford Explorer SUV (which has its own problems that I care not discuss )(oh and the broken ford F150) but I can swear to you all that I will buy Chevy from this day forward....doubt if Ford will do anything about it but if they do -- I'm gonna be somewhere in Line :)

[scott2432003]

:mad:
yeah i thought i was getting a good buy when i bought my 1998 ford wish i would have traded it in before the engine did the same thing that everyone else describes. my engine just went out less then a month ago with only 79,000 miles. i didnt look through everyones complaint but i think that takes the record for lowest miles on this engine. has anyone heard anything about ford fixing the problem. if so please email scott2432003@hotmail.com ....thanks and goodluck with the new engine

[Lobtuf]

Mine went at 70,plus a few = guess I win the "prize" :mad:

[Dragonluvr_05]

:( :eek: :mad: :confused:
Ok, imagine my surprise to find this forum. I've got a 97 F-150 XLT 4.2L V6 that is showing the same symptoms as everyone here has described. So, what am I to do. This needs to be corrected ASAP!!!!! Is there any class action suit begin or started? I really don't have to money to have the engine repaced nor can I do without my truck. By the way my F-150 has over 120,000 miles on it. I'm huessing I'll do a search and see if I can find the original recalls and contact my Ford dealer and see what he says, then take it from there. I WAS really impressed with my truck untill now!!

Maybe we should all ban together and get something started?

[Lobtuf]

Everyone says the same thing "Class action suit" but no one initiates one. Does anyone have any idea on how to do this? :confused:

[Nothappy1]

To all the people who have F-150's with the 4.2 V6 engine and are not having problems I say Good Luck and I am Glad you do not have to go through the Headaches that the rest of us have to endure. But this post is for One poster in particular and that is Sockwell I am guessing that you do not understand the concept of right and wrong. First off in business your customer is your what makes our breaks you, Ford would never have gotten so Big without you or me the Customer, and for them to turn there back on the customer for a problem that they Knew existed is an Insult. Even if you give something away for Free and you know there is something wrong with it you say, Hey you can have it if you want it but it doesnt do this or you will need to fix that, its just common courtesy. Sockwell you dont think its right for people to want at the very least, to be told upfront when you bought your vehicle that there is a $700 gasket problem that could cost you $4000 to $6000 worth of damage later and then let them make up there own minds. Because I was not given that Choice when I bought my Truck from a Ford Dealership. I was brought up to believe that if you know you are wrong, you do what is needed to make things right. Ford Knew these problems existed back in 1999 and should have at the very least passed that Information to people buying those trucks, They really should have fixed the problem before selling them thats what they really should have done. How do you say I screwed up but I am only going to be responsible for my screwup until Thursday. THAT IS STUPID.

[Ken Yeats]

Well, I have read quite a few posts on this thread, and looking at the dates (all the way back to 2004) I am surprised I hadn't heard of this problem before.. We have all heard about the Notorious Dodge Transmission issues etc, but this one seems to have slipped through the cracks and left consumers oblivious.

I bought my 97 F150 from my Dad a couple (2 or 3?) years ago. He no longer drives, and the truck was just sitting in his garage. It's in beautiful shape. It is now 9 years old and I only have about 68,000 miles on it.. (Guess that now puts me in the lead for youngest victim).. I have been a loyal Ford guy since I started driving, but quite honestly.. This makes me sick.

As others have said, this is going to cost in the $4000 range to fix. Hardly worth it to put into a 9 yr old vehicle in my opinion. I just found out about the problem yesterday after bringing it in upon hearing a "tapping/light knocking" sound in the engine.

With teh age of the vehicle, and not being the origional owner, I highly doubt I will find any relief. I own 3 Fords at the moment, and bring all 3 in every 3000 miles for oil changes. I have had a couple minor items fixed recently on recalls, but you would think that the would have said something if they knew about any other recalls for the F150. Again, it sickens me.

This is one Ford customer who will be abandoning ship. It's sad, because I really did (do) love the truck.. But I simply can't afford to drop $4000 into another engine, especially when there is no guarantee it won't happen again.

[johnny mercury]

Reading through most of these posts I see a disturbing trend. People are mad for their own negligence. If your vehicle is using coolant for 3-4 months and then breaks down, that's your fault. Coolant leaking at the intake gasket is a problem that most garages will recognize quickly on this vehicle and can cost you a few hundred dollars if you have it addressed. It's kind of like you cutting yourself with a knife and not doing anything about the cut. You just let it go and it gets infected and you continue to let it go. 2 or 3 months later you die from blood poisoning and your family sues the knife company. Sometimes as adults we must take responsibilty for ourselves rather than pinning the blame on someone else.

[Shaun]

Help!!!
Ok I own a 98 f150 and it has just started showing the symptoms you all have been talking about
about two weeks ago started losing coolant but could not find leak but ran fine checked oil everything looked good
NOW TODAY! struggled to start but started checked the oil and it looked like a milky mess...PARKED THE TRUCK now what do i do what do i need to replace do i need a new engine or can i just replace gaskets??? ,not coverd by Ford purchased used from a guy at work
He had just put a new engine in before i purchased about two years ago
Prob had the same problem
Any help would be appreciated

Kind Regards :eek:

[Nothappy1]

Johnny Mercury are a Company Man trying to run from a Warranty?

[chrisdag]

I have a 1998 Ford F150 4.2 Liter V-6 that I bought new in March of 98. The coolant has started disappearing and the oil pressure at idle is really low. I could not understand what was happening to my truck until I found this forum. Has anyone been able to make Ford pay for at least a percentage of the repairs?

[Nothappy1]

For those who blame the owners of these Magnificent Monstrosities.
Here is a link for you, it has editorials from people who have F150's that have lasted a Week and some are sitting on Dealers lots with inadequate fluid levels Brand New. The link is http://www.tgrigsby.com/views/ford.htm , I invite all to go there and read it yourself

[Nothappy1]

Johnny Mercury are you one of those Company Men trying to run from a Warranty, trying to Defend your Dealership? I am asking because that is what your comments sound like.

[Oh_F'n_Brother]

Almost wish I hadn't found this forum, but I also may have the same Old problem. I've been noticing that my 1997 F150 4.2L has been "Bucking" almost everytime I drive it. When I'm accelerating, only up to about 2K or so and shifting, it sometimes bucks a bit - not much - just a quick one. Although, last week it was raining hard hear in Northern NY and when I started it, it ran rough - like it had bad spark plug wires. It did clear up and ran fine and still is. The truck has 131,000 miles on it and does not seam to be using coolant. I'm just wondering if it's a ticking time bomb just waiting to happen? I was thinking that maybe it needs a new catilytic converter or fuel filter. I think the wires are okay, looked at the motor in the dark when it was running and there was no arcing. A guy at the local Advanced Auto parts said it "might" be the coil, that if one of the outputs is weak, it'll make that cylinder miss fire. The truck runs very well, other than the bucking - anybody have any ideas on this one? Thank you! :confused:

[No More Fords]

I joined the ranks of those unfortunate 1997 F-150 4.2L V6 owners with the a similar problem.
At 78000 miles, I noticed a coolant leak without any visible sign of where it was going. The engine started losing some coolant past the timing chain cover 6 months ago. The gasket was replaced and a new water pump installed. The coolant loss continued. The engine then started to run rough until it warmed up and some rough running noise on the top end. The Ford dealer suggested using synthetic oil. Following the oil change, the top end noise disappeared but continued to run rough until up to temperature.
The truck sat for a week after running fine. At 81,000 miles when trying to start the engine, it failed to turn over. I charged the battery and bounced the starter. The engine kicked over with a bang and smoke out the tailpipe. The number 2 rod had broken near the piston.
$4000 was the estimate for a rebuild in northern California. $5800 at the Ford dealership for a replacement engine.
This is just bad engineering for this model engine and even poorer customer relations for Ford by ignoring the issue. Shame on Ford for such a poor product. Shame on me if I ever buy another Ford.
Gosh, I wonder why Ford is having a hard time!!!!

[chrisdag]

I have the coolant problem too and live in Napa, Ca. Where did you get the rebuild estimate? I need to get mine fixed.

[CC21TEX]

I've a 1997 F150 V6 4.2 L parked for about a year and a half. 114K miles. Bought from a dealer with 8000 miles on it. Followed routine oil changes and maintenance at the dealer down the road. It started running rough last summer so I let didn't use it until I could get it to the dealer so I let it sit six month until the beginning of this year. When I tried to start it it wouldn't turn. Thinking my battery was discharged I charged it and cleaned the cables. It didn't turn. The engine was locked. I rocked the truck in gear unlock it. It worked and the engine started with a knocking noise. I knew then something serious was wrong. I figured water in the oil. I drained the oil and it was full of water. I had not used the truck since I had the dealer change the oil except for a short 30 mile trip so I thought they'd put oil with water in engine.

Form this forum it seems that the problem was a faulty gasket? No such information from the dealer about any issue with this vehicle.

I've the engine out and will repair it or replace it depending on the cost. Use it for a time then sell it.

My expectation was that this truck would go at least 150K. I expected minor maintenance due to normal wear and tear. Not engine failure especially in a well maintained engine with maintenance done by a Ford dealer. Must go back to distrusting dealers...

[johnjay06]

Holy crap! I stumbled on this forum on a search and cannot believe those who had the same prob! Mine blew up about 3 years ago! They said the same exact thing that you all say happend you yalls. I did call ford and they said there was no recall because there was not enough probs! There has to be something that can be done about this!

[JPSMOOTH]

ASTOUNDING,
I HAVE READ A LOT OF YOUR TESTIMONIES AS TO YOUR EXPERIENCES, I CAN'T BELIEVE, I MEAN, I REALLY CAN'T BELIEVE SO MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD TO ENDURE THE REPAIR BILL THAT I HAD TO PAY TOWARDS THE REPLACEMENT COST OF MY 1997 F150 4x4 4.2L V6 & THE FORIEGN CLUTCH TO BOOT. MY BILL WAS RIGHT AT $5700 PARTS AND LABOR, I PAID $6300 FOR THE TRUCK! IF ANY REPARATIONS BECOME OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT - PLEASE NOTIFY ME, I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO MADE A YARD ORNAMENT OUT OF THIS TRUCK AT BILL FORD'S HOUSE AFTER THAT EPISODE MYSELF.
A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR A REPAIR EPIDEMIC SUCH AS THIS (HOW MUCH MORE COULD YOU PAY TO REPAIR A VEHICLE? REALLY?) SHOULD BE PARAMOUNT FOR SOME LAWYER, SOMEWHERE. PLEASE NOTIFY ME IF ANYONE HEARS ABOUT SUCH A SUIT.
I WILL DRIVE ANY LAWYER THERE IN MY NEW JEEP!

[pavan]

DEAR ALL,
IT IS WRONG TO STATE THAT MY CAR HAS NO MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
FORD INDIA IS GOING THE WAY FORD IS WORLD WIDE. IT FOR THIS REASON YOU ARE HAVE SALES PROBLEM. YOU HAVE STOPPED LISTENING TO YOUR CUSTOMERS. FORD INDIA WILL ONE DAY HAVE CLOSE DOWN AS THEY WILL BE FORCED OUT OF THE MARKET.
WELL ITS YOUR BUSINESS WITH PUBLIC MONEY AND CUSTOMERS DON'T MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU OR YOUR DEALERS.
I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU IN PLAIN ENGLISH THAT I AM WILLING TO HAND OVER THE CAR ONLY TO FORD INDIA AS I HAVE BEEN CHEATED BY YOUR DEALER SAMARA FORD NOW I ALSO FEEL CHEATED BY FORD INDIA FOR THREATENING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION.
IF FOR SOME REASON YOU WANT ME TO STATE THE SAME IN ANY OTHER LANGUAGE KINDLY DO LET ME KNOW.
YOU MAY TAKE ANY LEGAL ACTION YOU WISH TO AT YOU COST. I HAVE ALREADY HAVE THE STATUARY WARNING ON ALL MY FORD CARS OWNED BY MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I WILL SEND YOU THE PHOTOS OF THE SAME.
KINDLY STOP THREATENING YOUR CUSTOMERS IN FUTURE AND TRY TO SPEND YOUR TIME TO SERVICE THE POOR PRODUCT FORD INDIA IS MAKING, DO CONVEY THIS TO YOU MANAGING DIRECTOR WHO WANTS TO BE IN-ASSESSABLE TO ITS CUSTOMERS
MY GOD REST HENNERY FORD'S SOUL IN PEACE
Regards,
Pavan Varma
----- Original Message -----
From: Gopi, Ramalingam (R.)
To: pavan@repairelec.com
Cc: Ustmail, Customer (C.)
Sent: 20/09/2006 6:16 PM
Subject: Reply from Ford India/Samara


Dear Mr. Pawan,

Thanks for your mail.

We wish to inform you that your vehicle is 6 years old and replacements made in your vehicle are due to the ageing and normal wear and tear only , and as required per Ford Service Schedule. The vehicle history and job cards were persued and the same confirms that there was no manufacturing defect in the vehicle. Hence your claim to the contrary stands unsubstantiated.

In any case, we are willing to support you with the repair of the vehicle .

We also understand that our dealership has been contacting you on numerous occasions to inspect the vehicle and you have not given the vehicle for necessary inspection. We also would like to inform you that the repairs can be done only through our dealerships.

Kindly allow our dealership to inspect the vehicle and rectify the concerns, if any. Please note that the repairs will be undertaken at your cost.

Further, any false message to threaten us and defame the brand image of the company will force us to initiate legal action.
Thanks and Regards,
Gopi
Customer Relations
Ford India Limited
044- 27459219


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: pavan [mailto:pavan@repairelec.com]
Sent: 06 September 2006 11:56
To: Gopi, Ramalingam (R.); Rcfmc, C (C.); Ustmail, Customer (C.); Fight Back! Feed Back! Forum --- Things You Want To Say! Forums; Shailendra; Arya, Saurabh (S.); PAVAN
Cc: Mr. Zia Tariq; Saurabh Chhabra; Vijay
Subject: Re: REPLY FROM FORD INDIA / SAMARA


DEAR SIR,
I HAVE BEEN INSISTING THAT YOU GO THROUGH MY MAILS AND THE CAR RECORDS IN DETAIL AND THEN YOU WILL REALIZE THAT MY ISSUE IS NOT ONLY WITH THE DEALERSHIP BUT ALSO WITH FORD INDIA.
I CAME ACROSS A ARTICLE IN THE NEWS PAPER ON MONDAY WHEREIN IT WAS STATED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CHAIRMAN Mr. FORD HAS ASKED ALL TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDE TO SURVIVE IN THIS MARKET.
I PERSONALLY DO HOPE FORD INDIA ALSO COMPLIES AND SOLVES MY PROBLEMS BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
I HAVE ALREADY INFORMED YOU THAT I AM WILLING TO HAND OVER THE CAR TO FORD INDIA ONLY.
Regards,
Pavan Varma

----- Original Message -----
From: Gopi, Ramalingam (R.)
To: pavan
Sent: 06/09/2006 8:56 AM
Subject: REPLY FROM FORD INDIA / SAMARA


Dear Mr. Pawan,

We have requested our dealership to provide a reply on the issues raised by you. However if you presently have issues in your vehicle, we would request our dealership to fix an appointment with you and fix the issues in your vehicle.
We also understand that our dealership had been contacting you for fixing an appointment. We request you to provide your vehicle to our dealership and we would ensure that issues you are facing in your vehicle are promptly addressed and resolved.

Request your kind cooperation on the same.

Thanks and Regards,
Gopi
Customer Relations
Ford India Limited.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: pavan [mailto:pavan@repairelec.com]
Sent: 02 September 2006 11:35
To: Rcfmc, C (C.); Gopi, Ramalingam (R.); Ustmail, Customer (C.); Fight Back! Feed Back! Forum --- Things You Want To Say! Forums; Shailendra; Arya, Saurabh (S.); Mr. Zia Tariq; Vijay
Subject: Re: REPLY FROM FORD INDIA / SAMARA



----- Original Message -----
From: pavan
To: crcfmc@ford.com ; Gopi, Ramalingam (R.) ; FORD INDIA ; Fight Back! Feed Back! Forum --- Things You Want To Say! Forums ; Shailendra ; PAVAN ; Mr. Arya Saurabh ; Mr. Zia Tariq ; Vijay
Sent: 31/08/2006 10:53 AM
Subject: Fw: REPLY FROM FORD INDIA / SAMARA


DEAR ALL,
IN VIEW OF MY MATTERS STILL BEING PENDING I HAVE ORDERED A STICKER OF THE SIZE OF THE REAR SCREEN WHICH SAYS AS BELOW. I WILL SEND THE PHOTOS OF MY CAR ONCE IT HAS BEEN PASTED ON IT
STATUARY WARNING
BESIDES HIGH MAINTENANCE COST

THIS FORD IKON GIVES ONLY 6 Km/L.

BEFORE BUYING A FORD MAKE SURE

YOU CAN AFFORD A FORD
SERVICED BY SAMARA FORD
Regards,
Pavan Varma
From: pavan

[biersg]

I too have had the same problem with my 1997 f150. I have replaced the engine once to the tune of 4k. I think it is getting ready to do it again. I am in the process of looking to buy a new truck for my company. My wife doesnt want me to buy a ford. I have been arguing with her about that but, after reading these posts I think I will buy a Toyota instead.

Thanks a lot ford you just lost another customer.

[Nothappy1]

I have been reading through some other sites about this problem, and I saw another site that takes complaints and I think people have to start to fill it up just like they are filling this one, http://www.autosafety.org/index.php it doesnt show very many complaints about this issue yet, this organization forces big companies into compliance if they receive enough complaints, this problem happened before with Ford and the Center For Autosafety pressured Ford into treating those affected Fairly and helped to make the Issue more public. I added my complaint everyone on this site should add thiers if you dont we are going to continue to be Ignored.

[cblboss]

I thought i was the only 1 having this trouble, was told by the dealer that there were no other problems as mine out there. I have had a knocking sound forever, since around 2001. Can't seem to find it, had the head gasket replaced in 2004, as well as all parts replaced, took care of the low oil pressure at idling, and coolant/oil mixing together problem. Had oil changed last week and now have low pressure during idling again. Checked levels, all good, sigh, guess it is round 2 again. I have only 73000 on a 1998 and have taken very good care of this truck. I did file a complaint with http://www.autosafety.org/index.php and ask that all the people on this thread do the same. I am watching my oil/coolant daily and with this being my only source for work am very concerned. Was wanting to trade for a Expedition but will probably reconsider to another Make.

[Mikey]

Adding my two cents....1998 Ford 4.2, never received the recall notices, failed in the driveway upon startup. Thrown rod....sorry Ford, was going out today to buy a new truck from the Ford dealer here...not after reading this thread!!! :rolleyes: :(

[MCACS]

:eek: :mad:
Seems like we are in the same boat here....
Let's all row togrther.

I have a 1988 F-150 (4.2L)