FORD F150 4.2L v6 ENGINES

[Lizzle93]

I would like to tell you about my experience with the FORD MOTOR COMPANY with regard to my 1997 F150 4.2L v6 engine. FORD issued a recall in Dec.1999 for a defective front cover gasket which was found to allow coolant to leak out of the engine. Although FORD recalled this defective gasket in DEC 1999 for the F150 and I had the gasket replaced in FEB 2000, my engine finally failed 40,000 miles later ---reason: coolant found in the plugs.

FORD issued a second notice of procedures to the dealerships in APRIL 2000, four months after the first recalls were issued. This second notice was entitled "CRITICAL SUPPLEMENT #1" and it outlined improved measures for replacing this gasket. It noted that engine failures were being discovered DESPITE the original recall procedure being performed as (1) damage may have already been done to the engine that was not detected prior to the recall of Dec 1999, and (2) the original recall procedure was insufficient as it allowed contamination of the oil by the scouring pads used to remove the old gasket.

My engine gasket was replaced in Feb 2000 with 69,000 miles on it according to the original recall procedures. I advised the technician that my coolant level had dropped prior to the receipt of the recall notice in DEC 1999, however, this information was not documented by the dealership service dept. Immediately following the recall procedure my oil pressure approached zero at low idle speeds. This was corrected following an oil change soon after the symptom appeared. Over the course of the next 18 months and only 40,000 miles more, the engine became louder to which "normal engine wear" was attributed.

In mid NOV 2001 when I started the F150 in my driveway the engine banged and boomed such that I immediately shut it down and called my mechanic.

Long story short, FORD Motor Company advised me to have the truck towed to "an Authorized Ford Dealership" for a diagnosis. At this time the mileage was just over 110,000. After I paid for the tow and the labor for the dealership to diagnose the problem (almost $300) I was told by FORD that "unfortunately [they] would not be able to assist me" in paying for a new engine for the following reasons:

(1) I was NOT a "loyal Ford customer" as I patronized Ford only for RECALLS (of which there were 3 within 12-18 months) Do I not have the right to take my truck to my local mechanic for maintenance without suffering retaliation from FORD? My mechanic's hourly labor charges are about one half that charged by the Ford dealerships.

(2) the mileage on the vehicle was over 100,000 miles at the time of the engine failure (then why did they tell me to take it to a dealership if that was the case in the first place?)

(3) coolant was found in the plugs, white smoke came from the tailpipe, no drip lines werefound on the block, hoses were intact and manifolds showed no cracks. What gave rise to their assessment that the replaced gasket WAS properly installed in Feb 2000. Assuming this is true, HOW DID COOLANT GET INTO THE PLUGS???

Ford claimed that my problem is isolated, however, Critical Supplement #1 issued in April 2000 states that engine failures were known to have happened despite the gasket recall due to contamination of the oil during the procedure. Over the last year of my search for answers I have found numerous others (via the Internet and grapevine) with a similar problem involving engine failure following this defective gasket replacement.

What can I do? I can't locate an attorney who is interested in this case. If I take it to Small Claims Court a corporate attorney would stonewall me by making a motion to move the case to another court forum which would necessitate additional court fees and my hiring an attorney of my own (at a rate that would offset my attempt to be made whole once again. I have heard of a Class Action Suit but am unable to verify this information. Can anyone help? I have a two and a half ton lawn ornament in my driveway and I'm driving a compact (1984 Honda with 191K-runs like new).

Please contact me if you have any information or advice or if you have been affected by this recall by Ford. I have documents to support my claims but no where to take them and I WILL FIGHT BACK!

[ogkid1997]

I found it to be rather odd when this web site popped up. I was entering(4.2l engines)on the search in yahoo to find a motor 4 sale. Anyways i stumbled onto this page. I am an owner of a 1998 F-150. Over the past 2 years i have had to add coolant to my motor,never thinking too much of it. 2 weeks ago from today i noticed a little hesitation upon starting my engine. The truck continued to run fine though the hesitation existed sometimes. Well this past monday 1-4-04, upon returning from a trip to buffalo NY i went to start up my truck. As soon as it fired up the was a loud noise coming from the engine. turns out to be a rod knock. I have a buddy who is a "motorhead" ,there was coolant found int the plugs. Upon reading your site i just found out about the gasket recall, but i was never sent anything in the mail and had no idea of this problem. I currently have only 80,000miles on my truck and now have "1/2 ton parking lot ornanment " and noone to pay but me! P>S> I have always been a ford fan but i am quite disgusted and will seriously consider another manufacturer next time purchasing.:mad:

[fsankey]

I own a 1997 Ford F-150 with over 115,000 miles on it. I went to use the heat last week and found that it was intermiate, hot then cold and back.. When I looked at the coolant level it was GONE.. So I filled it up with a 50/50 mix and I am now keeping a close eye on it.. I was not very happy when I came acrossed this forum during a search for 4.2l V6 engines. But I am glad I did.. I plan on checking my plugs and oil this weekend for coolant. Thanks for the heads up on this.. Maybe it's not too late to change the gaskets myself..

signed,
FwF and had enough....
(Fwustrated with Ford)

[EDan]

Same story here. I just got my 1997 F-150 back from my shop, new long block installed. My long story made short; 87,000 miles, never recieved the front cover recall, bought the truck new, always changed oil and filter at 5,000, lost coolent, motor didn,t want to start, finally did, bent rod, broken #2 piston, coolent leak thru head gasket into #2 cyclinder, Ford Motor won't give any help. Will I ever buy another after owning 5,, no.

[citbrandon01]

I purchaced a 98 F-150 V6 with 80K mi 2 months ago and the oil light came on last week. I took the truck back to the dealership and before even opening the hood they knew that something was wrong with the engine. Upon further inspection they told me that I had an internal coolant leak and that the engine would need to be replaced at my expense! The dealership refused to accept any of the responsibility for this matter. I called Ford motor company and all I could do was file a complant against the dealership, they never mentioned anything about a recal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[david clark]

Mine died today.
I have a 98 Ford150 pickup with the 4.2L...started rattleing a week or two back, coolant in the intake. I TOWED it to a certified mechanic who pulled the intake off and the gaskets were leaking. Replaced everything to spec and the damn thing now has a rod knocking.

My mechanic is Bill Hartwell of Lafayete Louisiana and he's been around the block. Most of his business is Jags,BMWs and Mercedes and he has a helluva business. He blew up his own F150 a week back and he says every mechanic and machinist he's spoken with says the 4.2L/V6 is a bad motor solely because of the gasket/water in the cylinders issue.

No, I am not a happy camper. He says I can replace the piston/rod and hope for the best or replace the engine and thats several thousand dollars.

This sucks.Isn't there something to be done about this? Contact me at davidclark@davidclark.org if you have suggestions or experience with this issue.

[david clark]

I spoke with the dealer today. They've 'never' heard of the TSB regarding this issue . Nothing they can do, it seems. Imagine that.

I'm hoping some one picks up this thread and we can see a class action suit filed.

This is really bad for consumers. Ford engineering was concerned enough to issue a buliteen regarding a defect that kills engines. The engines are bad and Fords ran this engine in Thunderbirds, trucks, Windstar vans and some Mustangs. Its a major engineering defect and they never provided for a repair or recall. And now God only knows how many people likemeare sweating a 3000 dollar replacement bill.

Where the hell are the lawyers when you need them ?

[Insane]

His 4.2L did the exact same thing!
said everything was fine, his wife started it up one morning, Tons of noise
like a thrown rod, and a lot of white smoke.

Honestly It is kinda desturbing to see this. I am normally a Chevy/toyota fan,
but an engine is an engine. it doesn't sway my judgment on the products.
I cant believe something like this can happen.

I will ask him tommrow if the dealership has notified him about any recalls on the truck.

thanks for the post, it was very informative.

[david clark]

Time for some action.

I've talked to several, several others who have been screwed by this engine.

The mechanic who cares for my vehicles is a veteran CERTIFIED Jaguar technician with credibility as such and as an expert witness. He tells me that scores of other professionals from technicians to machine shop people know and have known for some time that this engine has a particular problem with a manifold gasket that failed, allowing coolant into a cylinder and subsequently the engine fails.

Costs to replace this engine hover around the $4000 mark.

I'm not a lawyer- but here's one who might be intrersted in a class-action. I'm filing a complaint.

http://www.daltonlaw.com/

[JoPo]

My '97 Ford F150 4.2L V6 w/83k miles failed in my driveway upon starting two days ago. After turning the ignition, I heard loud knocking and banging coming from the engine and shut it down. I found oil pouring from the rear of the engine and running down the front of the oil pan.

In May of 2000, I had the front cover gasket replaced under recall. I'm torqued to see that this hasn't solved the problem, and I now have a lot of spare parts sitting in my driveway.

As anyone received anything positive back from Ford on this? I'm thinking about selling my Ford Windstar and buying something from a more reliable motor company.

[david clark]

I am disgusted.

This engine is a lemon.
Those of us who have suffered similar losses, should get toether and find a lawyer to help. Yeah I know what people say about lawyers. You never need one untl, well, you need one.

Ford has known for a long time this engine has a defective manifod gasket wihich can and does lead to engine failures, requiring either a bottom rebuild and/or replacement.

Any ideas, anyone?
:mad:

[HermSteve2002]

I too am an owner of a 97 f150 with a 4.2 L in it. Just found out today that I have a thrown rod in it. It was the exact symptoms as everybody else. Started it up, and it started knocking like a debt collector at your door. I thought it was kinda funny that all of you have the same problem. If you guys get anything figured out on a way to get compensated, post it here.

[mcasias]

I have always been a Ford enthusiast. My last Ford F150 lasted 312,000 miles. So it saddens me to read this particular email thread. I bought a 1997 F150 4.2L v6 in February of 2003 from a Ford Dealership as a Manager's Special. At the beginning of this year, I noticed that radiator fluid was leaking from under the truck. I took it to my mechanic thinking my water pump had died. It turned out to be the front cover gasket. $512 later, I got my truck back. Yesterday (Happy New Year), my engine hesitated before starting and then white smoke began to roll out of my exhaust. I was searching the web for some indication of what the problem might be and came across this feedback forum. I do recall my mechanic saying that the front cover gasket had already been replaced at least once. I am hoping that my situation can be remedied by a head gasket replacement because I am not having any engine knocking. Engine continues to sound good (really good for a lemon). This has shattered my faith in Ford altogether. Buyer beware. I'm currently at 84,000 miles. Please let me know of any Class Action suit that may ensue.

[onebadtruck]

well here i am, another very unhappy former ford camper--71,306 miles and a big red lawn ornament--someone please figure out a way to get together and get some justice from ford. all they had to do was to let us know the damn gasket needed to be replaced, instead i'm looking at a 4000 dollar shot up my tailpipe---look for me on 20/20 and prime time live--don't know if i can trust dan rather--lol--

[cbabs]

I just discovered this forum in an attempt to figure out what demon possessed my truck's engine. It happened on Christmas Eve, as I prepared to drive across the state to visit the family...

Turned the key, the engine jumped around like a rabid coyotee, the banging metronome of death began, and white Christmas smoke poured from the tailpipe. Now I have a 1998 F150 with 4.2 liters of fully paid off devil sitting in my driveway.

From what I've read so far, it's not going anywhere under its own power.

I can't believe that a problem this pervasive has been tolerated by Ford. I'm going to have it towed to Bill Ford Jr.'s driveway with a copy of this email chain and a picture of my new Toyota.

Unbelievable.

[CSTNATE68]

HEY I JUST STUMBLED ACROSS THIS FORUM TRYING TO SEARCH FOR HYPERTECH COMPUTER PROGRAMERS. I KNOW THIS IS A LITTLE OFF TOPIC BUT ANY INFO WOULD HELP. I JUST BOUGHT A 2003 FORD F-150 WITH A 4.2 LITER IN IT. IT CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 20K MILES ON IT. READING YOUR POSTINGS IS MAKING ME WORRY ABOUT MY OWN TRUCK. I HAVE HAD GREAT LUCK WITH IT SO FAR BUT WHO KNOWS. I WAS WONDERING IF FORD HAS CHANGED THE DESIGN OR FIXED THE PROBLEM EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE HAVING. I'M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE'S PROBLEMS. I AM NO HELP I JUST READ ABOUT THE ISSUE. IF SOMEONE WOULD KINDLY FILL ME IN I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. THANKS A BUNCH
<nate68chevycst@yahoo.com>

[Crucifixation]

There has to be something that we can do about this ****. My 97 f150 threw a rod on new years. i went to start it to head home from work and it started banging inside the engine. a few weeks prior i also noticed it kind of hesitating when i started it and a few times when it was running it would just die. i never really noticed whether there was any white smoke though. i can almost promise my trucks engine went bad for the exact same reason. im gonna go and check the plugs for coolant tomorrow (its still sitting at work). with all these people having the same problems and it costing so much to fix, ford should be required by law to do something about it. this is complete bull****. im sooooooo pissed right now. :mad:

[fritz]

Ford F-150 1998 V-6 4.2liter blown head gasket and spun rod at 52,000 mi.
Dealership mechanics aware of problem and accept knowlege of 3.8 Liter family TSB notice.
How many V-6 engines will it take until Ford will own up to its failure?

My Ford (0f 4 presently owned), was a Southren California freeway commuter with no hauling/work.

The failure is prevalent and consistent with no official admittance yet from Ford that I've found. The dealership even explained to me they understood it as an engineering defect of expectation. What else does it take?

Save your $4000.00 receipts and write Ford!

regards,

[HermSteve2002]

Not everyone has the 4 grand to get a new engine. This is bs and should be taken care of by ford. It's obviously not the fault of any of ours since the problem is so prevalent.

[Crapper]

:mad:
Add one more to the list! I have a '99 with the 4.2l engine and I started having all of the symptoms every else has. Missing coolant, My engine han't gone yet, hopefully, I can still save it. Callin' the dealer Monday!

[Mark_ABB]

I have also started to experience the same symptoms. Today I noticed the engine hard to start. I will be taking it to the dealer. I am sure they will charge several hundred dollars for the repair. Ford should be responsible for known issues and defects with their product. We all spent good money to get these lemons. There must be something that can be done. Thanks for the info about the issue.

[gary vise]

This Intake manifold gasket defect is very common in this engine. Imagine my surprise when I returned from my tour of duty in Iraq and learned my 1997 Ford f150 threw a rod 2 days before(120,000 miles). Ford did not properly inform their consumers of the recall notice and here I am trying to figure out how I am going to pay for this. I pulled the engine yesterday and when I pulled the Intake manifold off, the plastic gasket literally fell apart in my hands. I used to be a die hard ford fan but I don't think I want to risk another "engineering defect" to own another one.

[realmad]

I got the same problem with my 1997 F150 4.2 engine the other day. Started it the other morning and it was knocking. It was fine when I used it last. Just overnight it went bad. Got 68000 miles on my truck and the engine is no good. No help at all from the dealers. I was never told of a problem from the dealer that I purchased this truck from. Ford new that there was a problem. I was a ford truck man for years, but after this I think I might go somewhere else. I really did like this truck. I am not happy at all. It is going to cost me about $4000.00 to get a engine. How can Ford get away with this. Must be something that can be done. :mad:

[pjpjpj123]

1/14/05 - just like all the others I have read, my story is the same. My 97 f150 4.2 built in Norfolk Virginia on 9/1996 has thrown a rod thru the oil pan as I started it up this morning. Already paid $750 several years ago to replace the front gasket at the Ford dealership. No one mentioned the 99b29 recall to me. I refuse to allow my truck to be a lawn ornament. Ford - you better get with it. I've got a garage and driveway full of Fords that I'm gonna start unloading. The $4000 to fix is all that the truck is worth. Someone please help.

[tlmcgee]

Same problem as I've read here and it amazes me that the Ford Motor Company would have something like this happen with the main vehicle that drives Ford.

During Thanksgiving, I was driving back from Austin, TX, and I lost all oil pressure and the engine knocked. I pulled over and shut the engine off and looked for a leak somewhere, couldn't find on, and checked the oil and it was full. After about 15 minutes of looking around I got back in and it was ran fine. I was passing a car and downshifted into 4th and lost all oil pressure again. I pulled over and looked around and after about 15 minutes, it started and ran fine. I never pushed the engine again after that. A week later, I could drive it like I always had and no oil pressure loss when downshifting.

Last Friday (01/07/05) I walked out to the truck after work and tried to start it and it wouldn't crank. My thoughts are, "Built Ford Tough???" I had some people at work try to push start it because I thought maybe the battery was dead and it wouldn't hit at all. We found it strange that the wheels locked up when the clutch was "popped." If only I had seen http://www.leakingfords.com (www.leakingfords.com) I would have known at that point to stop. The next morning I went ready to change the starter and it started right up. No problems.

This morning, I went to start the truck for work and warm it up and it knocked and banged while turning over and then started vibrating and missing and I immediately turned it off, knowing full well I the, "Built Ford Tough" truck had just thrown a rod.

I've bought this truck new at mile 87 and I can't say I changed the oil at 3,000, or 5,000, but by god it was changed at 10,000. It also drove me nuts that since about mile 20,000, I would loose coolant, but where the hell did it go. I've never had an oil leak or coolant leak or anything that left anything on the driveway. Seeing all this on these forums and then leakingfords.com I WILL NEVER buy another Ford as long as I live! This truck had just turned 111,111 miles this week and I expected to have it another 50,000 to 100,000. The thing that really tears me up, is that I never received a notice about the gasket. Yeah, I got the notice for the lug nuts and studs and I worked for the company that manufactured the wheels for this truck, but I never got any notice about the upper and lower gasket.

"Built Ford Tough?"

It'll be VERY tough for me to buy a Ford again!!! No wonder they almost went bankrupt in 1999!!! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[aawrench]

well add another to the list. snapped my rod on my 97 f150 on christmas eve this year MERRY X-MAS FORD! this just pisses me off to no end. found out about the front cover seals 2 years ago. replaced them myself after ford
told me i was too late for there (PROGRAM!). WELL i never knew about the lower intake gaskets until it was too late. i really think we should all go after ford for this mistake of an engine. let me know and i will jump in... :mad: :mad: :mad:

[TIN0160]

I GOT A ROD KNOCK TODAY,NEVER HEARD ABOUT A RECALL FROM FORD.I HAVE NOT TOUCHED THR TRUCK YET AND WAS HOPING TO HEAR ABOUT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT! IF ANYONE GETS A LAYWER PLEASE LTE ME KNOW.THANKS. TINO160@COX.NET (504) 837-2418 WALTER.

[realmad]

Here I am again. You might of read my problem with my 1997 4.2 motor earlier. I called Ford customer service and told them of the problem. Really no help, but the guy said that MAYBE if Ford recieves enough of the complaints, Maybe something will be done. Well for piece of mind, I suggest that everyone out there with this problem, call this number which is the Ford customer service number that I called. It is 1-800-392-3673 between Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and on saturday 9am to5:30 pm. Hey, at least let them know how we feel. If anything they will be flooded with calls that will drive them crazy. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[BlueOvalFitter]

97 F150,4.2V6,107k miles
I had Ford change my lower intake gaskets back in November,2002 to prevent the infamous hydro-lock.Ever since then my engine runs like a new one.If you can change the gaskets before any signs of coolant loss you will save the engine.
BTW,if you are looking to Ford for some help,good luck! Get in line with all the others who have bent over and had the blue oval broken off in there a**! :mad:
www.v6f150.com
www.f150online.com
www.fordtruckenthusiasts.com
www.fordtruckworld.com
www.f150.net

[yukon98]

Hello to all,
I as well as all of you have been bitten by the coolant /noise problem.
I have a 97 E-150 and of 12-23-04 threw a rod. A cappy x-mas present.
I am a contractor and use this van everyday. It was embassasing trying to clean oil off my clients new driveway. I was talking with my local mechanic and he told me that the all the E & F series with the 4.2 L (97,98 and some 99's) suffered from this affliction. Here's a link to heck out
http://www.jasperengines.com/pdf/38_42_TB.pdf. It's kind of difficult to stomach having to spend 3000.-3800 on a new engine and labor. All I can say goodbye ford hello gm.

[butcho21]

i have spent thousands on my 97 f150 v6. ford had replaced the engine once and the transmission. a rod had broken of. now i always have problems with the dam thing. if it is not on thing it is another. it still runs baddd. been to 5 different mechanics and they can not figure out what is wrong. they fix one thing and it runs great for about 2 days and then it starts to shake and sputter. spark plugs and wires, idle controle were replaced and fuel injectors cleaned out. if there is a law suite against ford sign me up.
never heard of the gasket problem will check that out. no problems with coolant.

[Scott Wildes]

The Ford Motor Company has another dissatisfied customer to deal with. My problem is the same as all the rest; loss of coolant into the front cylinders, that resulted in a bent rod. My truck has 82,000 miles on it, and now I need to replace the engine. I guess those fancy marketing slogans like..."Built Ford Tough" and "Quality is Job 1"....are not worth the paper they are printed on.

I plan to file my complaint with Ford's customer service department, even though they will not take responsibility for these faulty engines. My next call will be to the Georgia Attorny Generals Office of Consumer Affairs. I will also call my local news channel's consumer reporter, they would love a story like this. My hope is that a national show like "Prime Time" or "20/20" would pick up the story, and ask Ford's CEO why they will not replace these engines. After all, I bet his yearly bonus would cover the cost of replacing these bad engines.

I have read how many of you would like to bring a class action suit, and that may be a good avenue to persue, but I would hate to see the lawyers get away with the lion's share of a settlement. A small claims action is another possible remedy for problem. If everyone here would contact their own states attorny general's office and local news reporters, maybe we can get this problem rectified. Good Luck!

[cg_flipper]

Some thing just happened to me - I was debating on what to do until I could find if ford was taking responsibility for this - looks like we all just have to fork over an exta 3 Gs to fix fords $##$ up.
PLease let me know if anything comes of this. Or if any one knows of more info.

[strat49]

At 10,000 miles our F150 stranded us 1500 miles from home in Presque Isle , ME.
The Ford dealer there rescued us with great southern hospitality. They contacted Ford and all we had to pay for the blown gasket was about $100.00... ford paid the rest.

This week... with no warning other than every now and then having to add coolant for no reason... oil looked fine... changed every 3 to 5K... once in a while it clattered on start up..... this week it blasted a rod through the oil pan... out of nowhere! 120,000 miles... do I spenf the 3 to 4 thousand dollars for a Jasper engine? Will this new engine do it again? Is there any sure fix?

Ad me to the list of "Happy" Ford Campers

[griedel]

Well add me to the list of 4.2L victims. This truck was the first of 5 Fords I purchased in the last 7 years. I will echo the sentiments of others, when I say it may be the last Ford I ever buy if Ford does not do something about this problem.

Add me to the Class Action suit list (griedel@earthlink.net) I would hope that Ford would do something before it comes to that. The lawyers are the only ones that would win.

[pined for an F-]

YA me too,threw a rod.I'm in Canada,mine was built here in Oakville,Ontario in 1998.I have better luck with the Japanese.I think I'll buy Japanese next time. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[fordneveragain]

I can't believe all these current posts I'm reading about 97 4.2 Fords just blowing up at this age!
I though I was doing the right thing buying from the Ford Dealer, however they decided that I needed the truck with the time bomb in it. I bought the 97 used in the summer of 2002, thinking of course I would have heard news if there was a problem with these vehicles. In October of 2003 I put a new rebuilt engine in myself after unsuccesfully trying to trade the truck on several local used car lots. (Where you would expect to buy the truck I was offering). Not one of them would touch it because of the loud knock coming from the defective engine. They all know! I want to provide this information to everyone as I think it is the best possibility of any action being taken against Ford Motor Company. Go to www.nhtsa.gov and file a complaint. Read what they do (in a nutshell) on the file a complaint page. You can also search and see many similar engine complaints going way back. Remember the F150 is the most popular truck in this country (don't understand how or why) EVERYBODY must complain before the percentage of complaints versus the number of units sold is great enough for the NHTSA to start pushing Ford to do something. Good Luck to everybody from a one-time Ford owner.

[MeredithNHWalt]

In January 1999, I purchased a '97 F150-xlt supercab 5-speed 4x2 w/ a V6 4.2 engine, with 67000 miles and it started to have problems in December 2000 at 95000 miles. In January 2001, my local dealer, Meredith Ford, Meredith NH, replaced the waterpump gasket and let me use a loaner car for two days for free. About one month later the engine was getting very loud and sounded like a diesel, so in early March 2001, Meredith Ford replaced the short block, at absolutely no cost to me, and let me have a loaner car for three days. all for free. Ford Motor Car paid the dealer to do the work on warrantee even though I bought the vehicle as a used truck from another Ford Dealer that went out-of-business. Way-to-go FORD! It's been a great truck ever since, until this week, and it now has 167000 miles. Today, January 27, 2005, is a sad sad sad day for me & my F150. Today, the Meredith Ford service adviser told me that what they thought was probably a heater core leak is probably a head gasket leak. What am I going to do? Am not sure. The body is in very good shape and I'd like to get this new item fixed but this may be too expensive for me. Tomorrow, friday, I check back with the service advisor to see what's up here and what's it gonna cost. Is it worth getting fixed and if it is fixed, will it stay fixed? Wish me luck, boo-hoo!

[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?

[Dmclean]

I have a 1996 Ford E-250 van which, fortunately for me, does not have the 4.2 L engine. My experience with Ford is similar to the other writers so I will post my observations here. My van had a problem with the heater "blend box". Only hot air came out, no control of the temp at all. I took it to my regular mechanic since the 3 year warranty is long gone, even though the van only had 35,975 miles on it. The mechanic told me the shaft to the blend box door was broken. He had seen lots of these, and in fact, Ford makes an "improved" blend box. It seems the original plastic box has misaligned screw holes which causes the shaft to bind and finally break. Ford must know this since they made the "improved blend box". I paid $507 to get this fixed. Then I sent a letter to Ford customer service demanding reimbursement for their defective part. (LOL). Two weeks later I got a call from a Ford telephone call taker, in a foreign country I suspect, who told me basicly 1. Ford has no obligation to compensate me 2. they have no technical service bulletin on this 3. I am the only owner this has ever happened to. When I tried to explain that their part was defective, they refer you to the local dealer "for technical explanation". I advised customer service I would get my satisfaction by posting their lack of concern on the internet. Ford doesn't build tough trucks, but they do have tough customer service!!

[Fudbert]

Hello to all, especially Jane,
I can't sit back on this one. Ford is in a meltdown. The next 2-3 years with this company will be pretty bad. Mechanics want union, plants are having slowdowns and just about every engine being made is having gasket problems. The dealers are complaining about Ford nit-picking every warranty repair and long time customers are now starting to be run off. Ford's stock is at about $13 a share.

New tactic maybe the denial of any sort of Technical Service Bulletin for a given repair, or that one is available for the repair you just had, but we didn't use it for YOUR repair. This is illegal in about 13 States. California Civil Code Section 1795.90-1795.93 expressly makes the dealers have to tell you where to get TSB's. BUT, you may have to go into the showroom and ask there, not the service department. Also, You must ask about any adjustment program for this repair. Don't ask, don't get.

What good is a TSB? Not much "UNLESS ALL OF YOU COMPLAIN". This is why I wrote back to this site cause I'm not seeing the point get across to anyone at any site with Ford complaints. GO TO THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND FILL IN THE COMPLAINT FORM. GO TO THE CENTER FOR AUTOSAFETY AND FILL IN THE COMPLAINT FORM. You folks aren't getting it. Everyone expects a recall, especially one not safety related, especially when they are turned down for a "program after warranty". HOW CAN THESE 2 SITES HELP YOU IF THEY DON'T KNOW? Case in point. I want all of you to go to the CAS website and look under complaints about your issue. It is easy to find and I want you to see the total number of complaints for your defect. I'm not going to tell you the numbers, but you'll be embarrassed. It takes less time to fill in the boxes than you spent reading this long-winded post.

Ford can't get it right. They got NATIONAL attention with their 3.8L engines produced in 1988-1995 with failed head gaskets. Why, cause CAS had enough complaints. Now they didn't learn from their mistake and are facing the same attention on their engines produced from 1999-2001 at the Romeo and Windsor plants. Guess what, failing head gaskets on the 4.6L and 5.4L engines. Does Ford know about this, yes, are they going to tell you, no.

My last comment. Here is what the manufacturers are afraid of. Next time you buy a car or truck, go to the NHTSA website and look under defect investigations. Read the TSB's that pertain to the model you're interested in. If your comfortable with bad brakes, transmission teardowns, leaky head gaskets, spark plugs that shoot out, vacuum leaks from cracked plastic parts on intake manifolds, which by the way means every car made that year, then buy that vehicle. Get more involved people, please.

[Dmclean]

Although I appreciate the advice from Fudbert, and I believe it is provided by someone with inside knowledge of the auto industry, I went to the Safety Administration web site and did not get the result I wanted. They are interested in one thing -- Safety. If your car did not run off the road, burn up, or endanger someones life, they aren't much help. I filled in the form but the catagories don't really apply to my problem, or the problem of the owners of the 4.2 L engine. If your engine gets of cyclinder full of water and major repair costs they really aren't interested. I still think the manufacturers are immune to fixing problems like this. Correct me if I am wrong.

[Fudbert]

You are almost correct. NHTSA is mostly concerned with safety. However, if they do get enough complaints about a defect, they will contact the manufacturer. In the past 5 years, government agencies have become soft on industry and aren't doing their job standing up for the people who pay their salaries, the taxpayer. Take the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as an example. A federal judge recently had to tell them to do their job, as in the case of the California Energy crisis. This is why I get angry because I feel we, as citizens need to hammer down on these agencies to do what they are paid to do.

As for filling in the boxes with a defect complaint, at the NHTSA website, where you did go to, under the list of items you are complaining about, when you check the boxes, you need to check "other" as the option you are listing your defect in. This will bring up a box you can fill in with your particular defect. They will review the choice and at some time later, will add it to the list of defects for your vehicle, year and model. So please, go back and look at the choices again and select "other".

Because the NHTSA isn't totally doing its job, that is why I mentioned CAS. They are much more proactive and actually the agency that gets the best results. They will do something if enough people complain. All of this takes time. Again, no one will do anything if no one complains, thus my original post. Don't be surprised if sometime down the road you get a letter from the vehicle manufacturer that an "after warranty adjustment program" has been instated for your defect.

[cojones]

My 1998 F-150 with the 4.2 engine and 85,000 miles is currently hydro locked and it looks like I may be in the market for a new engine. I can't believe that Ford knew about this and wouldn't warn their customers and correct the problem. Isn't the F-150 Ford's biggest seller and their bread and butter? Unless Ford does something about it this will be the last Ford purchased by me or my family and it looks like I'll be in the market for a new truck this month. If anyone gets a class action started let me know: g8tr8@aol.com

[MikeGS]

About 2 weeks ago I had to add some coolant. Yesterday motor locked up at ignition. It acted like a weak battery for a bit then when it started sweet smelling white smoke and knocking like crazy. Will call the Dealership tomorrow and see what they say. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Fudbert]

Go to http://www.leakingfords.com/99b29.html and see if this pertains to your problems. These folks have posted the ONP 99B29 letter that may be of value to you folks. An Owner Notification Program for 1997 F-150's. If this is the year and model of your vehicle, then this may be the ammo you need. Make a copy of the letter and take it to the dealer. Not much they can say after that. Good Luck

[Fudbert]

If they don't honor (not a word Ford is used to) the ONP from my last post, then try this one, Consumer Ford Certificate (CFC) ONP 00M009 #00062DB6001

I don't claim to know what I am doing, I just read allot.

[Fudbert]

Here is a site that has some Ford internal documents and a description of the plastic intake manifold that cracks. I don't know if I mentioned this at this site, but it may be and I say may be, since I am not a Lawyer, that Ford is not following the law, at least in California with withholding information about "adjustment programs". If you read California Civil Code Section 1795.90-1795.93, specifically section 1795.92 paragraphs A through E, spells out they must inform owners about adjustment programs. What you will see at this site, http://flamingfords.info , that an adjustment program was put in place for cracking plastic manifolds for "commercial vehicles" and "fleet owners", but not the retail customer. I have seen more Ford documents related to this coverage from other sites, including Police sites.

It looks like Fords "Job 1" is to @$&% you.

[Dmclean]

Fudbert is correct, there are boxes for "other" problems in the NHTSA website. I also went to the CAS website and filled in their complaint form. It looked much more helpful. We do need to get the regulators to do their jobs. Manufacturers have lobbiests to pressure the regulators, the public needs to push back to get their interests heard.

[Fudbert]

Glad I could help you find the right spot.

I started to write a long post and hit the wrong button and lost it. Anyway, I am not a Ford basher. I own a F-250 and a Grand Marquis. The Grand Marquis was just in for an engine pull and a repair to a leaking head gasket. It also has the plastic intake manifold that is prone to cracking causing the engine to blow.

I can only say one thing about Ford, run away from these creeps. Forget brand loyalty. Who can be loyal to a company that burns down people’s homes with their products? Do you think for one minute Ford is going to be loyal to you when you need them? Look at the thousands of posts, most with the same defects, about Ford and how they took care of the people who buy their defective products. Most of you will have to go to court. Using Ford's quote, I have a "better idea", RUN AWAY AND DON"T LOOK BACK, EVER.

Mr. Horowitz, if you are reading these posts, I have favor to ask of you. Would you please contact the California Attorney General and ask for an opinion with regard to Ford offering a "customer satisfaction campaign" to the commercial vehicle sector for intake manifold cracks on 1998-2001 engines, but not applying it to the retail sector, and ask if this violates the California Civil Code Section 1795.90-1795.93, primarily, 1795.92.

Manufacturers shall have the following duties:
(a) A manufacturer shall, within 90 days of the adoption of an
adjustment program, subject to priority for safety or
emission-related recalls, notify by first-class mail all owners or
lessees of motor vehicles eligible under the program of the condition
giving rise to and the principal terms and conditions of the
program.
(b) Copies of all notices mailed in accordance with subdivision
(a) shall be sent to the New Motor Vehicle Board within the
Department of Motor Vehicles and made available for public inquiries.
(c) A manufacturer shall, within 30 days of the adoption of any
new adjustment program, notify its dealers, in writing, of all the
terms and conditions thereof.
(d) A manufacturer who establishes an adjustment program shall
implement procedures to assure reimbursement of each consumer
eligible under an adjustment program who incurs expenses for repair
of a condition subject to the program prior to acquiring knowledge of
the program. The reimbursement shall be consistent with the terms
and conditions of the particular program. The manufacturer shall
notify the consumer within 21 business days of receiving a claim for
reimbursement whether the claim will be allowed or denied. If the
claim is denied, the specific reasons for the denial shall be stated
in writing.
(e) Any consumer who, prior to acquiring knowledge of an
adjustment program, incurs expenses for repair of a condition subject
to the adjustment program may file a claim for reimbursement under
subdivision (d). The claim shall be made in writing to the
manufacturer within two years of the date of the consumer's payment
for repair of the condition.

Thank you Mr. Horowitz

[SHARCON113]

I PURCHASED A 98 F-150 STX V6 4.2, IN FEBUARY 2000 FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP IT HAD 30,000 MILES ON IT, ON FEB 7TH 2005 MY WIFE STARTED THE TRUCK AND IT STARTED BANGING AND SMOKING SO WE SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER THE SERVICE PERSON CAME OUT AND AND STARTED THE TRUCK AND THEN ASKED IF WE WENT THROUGH ANY DEEP WATER HE NEW JUST WAHT WAS WRONG WITH THE TRUCK AND MY COOLANT LEVEL HAS DROPPED IT IS ALMOST THE SAME STORY AS EVERY ONE ELSES $4000 FOR A NEW ENGINE I REFUSED AND WENT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND BOUGHT A SUV WITH 100,000 MILE 10YEAR WARRANTY BUT THEY DID NOT GIVE ME VERY MUCH FOR MY TRUCK IT IS TO BAD WE HAVE ALL BEEN RIPPED OFF BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY

IF ANY ONE HAS ANY ADVICE OR INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ME AT
SHARCON113@NETZERO.NET THANK YOU

[Fudbert]

Good for you SHARCON113. You ran away. Make sure you follow the earlier posts and go to the two websites listed and log your complaint. Also, call the Ford 800 number and tell them you "ran away" from their defects. Tell them their problems are no longer your problems. My two vehicles are going on the selling block and I certainly won't look back, ever. Imagine, most families pass down the family history with buying a vehicle type. My family ALWAYS owned Fords. From my Grandfather to my Father to me. That legacy is now over. My daughter just bought a Toyota because of the problems she saw that I had with Fords.

So if you believe Ford will ever get it right, go to leakingfords.com, or flamingfords.info, or blueovalnews.com, or the hundreds of other sites set up because of Ford's defect infected vehicles.

The most interesting of the sites, if you dig deep enough is blueovalnews.com. They were sued for putting internal Ford documents on the site. Ford, from what blueovalnews.com says, hacked into their servers and blueovalnews was informed by the FBI about the intrusion. Blueovalnews prevailed in the courts under the first amendment, Ford appealed, but dropped the suit because of all the bad press.

I wish at this point to say HI to the Ford people who are reading these posts. What a wonderful job you must have going to all the sites with complaints and having to read what you are putting all of us through. Couldn't make it as a telemarketer I guess. To all the people posting here, they are reading this stuff. So to the people at Ford, I can't wait to dump your junk. I'm going shopping. Hey Ford, still having plant slowdowns? Are your mechanics still going union? Are your dealers still crying about the lost incentives? And what about your stock prices tanking? Have a nice day!!!!

[SHARCON113]

SAME STORY BOUGHT A USED F150 STX WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT IN FEB 2000 FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP FEB 7TH 2005 MY WIFE STARTED THE TRUCK AND IT STARTED BANGING AND SMOKING WE SHUT THE TRUCK OFF HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALER THE SERVICE PERSON CAME OUT STARTED THE TRUCK AND ASKED ME IF WE WENT THROUGH ANY DEEP WATER THAT SERVICE PERSON ALREADY KNEW WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY TRUCK SAME STORY AS EVERYONE ELSE LOW COOLANT LEVEL $4000 DOLLARS FOR A NEW ENGINE I REFUSED AND WENT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP AND BOUGHT A SUV WITH A 100,000 MILE 10YEAR WARRANTY BUT HTEY DID NOT GIVE ME MUCH FOR MY TRUCK WICH I ALWAYS HAD MAINTAINED. ITS TO BAD WE ALL HAVE BEEN RIPPED OFF BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY.

IF ANYONE HAS ADVICE OR INFORMATION CONTACT ME AT SHARCON113@NETZERO.NET THANK YOU

[JRDULCE]

Wow! I Was Just Checking Online How Much It Might Be For A Leaking Head Gasket When I Came Upon This Website... And I Must Say That I Am Surprised To See That This Is Something That Is Widespread. I Have A 97 F-150 4.2l V6 Engine. I Don't Remember Ever Getting A Recall... But Then Again There Have Been So Many Recalls For The Truck, Who Would Remember?

I Noticed Several Months Ago That My Truck Was Acting Really Funny And White Smoke Has Been Pouring Out Of The Tailpipe Ever Since. Its Probably Really Bad Now Because I've Been Driving It Even Though Its Been Smoking And Stuttering/shaking When I First Start It. But After It Warms Up, And I Get Going, The White Smoke Finally Goes Away And It Runs Fine. I Still Can't Believe That This Is The Case... I'm Thinking Twice About Getting It Repaired (i've Been Trying To Save Up For It). Is There Anything That Can Be Done?

IF ANYONE CAN HELP EMAIL ME: JRDULCE@YAHOO.COM

[Nomorefords]

My wife and I bought our new 97 Ford E-150 Van in March of 98 with the 4.2 liter V-6. We use the van for our twin boys with cerebral palsy that are in wheel chairs. On Tues. Feb 8th I took it to the dealer because it was loosing coolant (very small amounts). They then told me the lower intake manifold gasket was leaking and it needed replaced and they could do it for 500.00 plus tax. Our van has 47,000 miles on it and I use full synthetic oil and change it every 5,000 miles.
I told them to go ahead and fix it but now I have to worry about the front cover gasket according to Ford.
If any Ford Motor Company people are reading this I just want you know that we saved money for a long time to by this van and put a great deal of money down to get it equipped for our boys. Others in this forum are very mad about this but I am just sad and discouraged. Thanks to you I have yet another hardship in my life not because of my own doing. Quality does count, and I counted on you, thanks for letting me down.
littlesixshooter652@msn.com

[fmitchum]

I had the same thing happen just a few weeks ago on my 97 F150 XL 4.2L truck. I to am pissed. Did not want to put $4000plus into fixing it. Count me in on any class action suit. If anything can be done please let me know.
fmitchum@mindspring.com

[Nomorefords]

Just got off the phone with Ford customer satisfaction. (1-800-392-3673) They were no help at all. The guy said "We are not aware of problems with the lower intake mainfold gasket." I said you should, you have two TSB's on it. They are not going to take responsibilty for the problem. I went to NHTSA.gov and filed a complaint. We'll see what happens.

[sinkerslider]

See if this sounds familiar.....

1997 Ford F150, 4.2L V6, 160K miles

Mysteriously losing small amounts of coolant, over the last 2 years.

Four weeks ago, truck began having a rough idle after starting in AM, lasting 2-3 minutes. I figured maybe I had gotten some water in the gas.

Two weeks ago, truck dies mysteriously, and the "check engine" light comes on. Took it straight to a mechanic, who said it needed a "tuneup". Oh, and it was also a bit low on coolant....

A week later, the motor let go.

Here's my dilemna....I've had the truck for quite a while (2nd owner) and have had pretty good luck with Fords in the past. I could pull down 22-23 mpg in that little V6, yet it'd pull the kids and the boat up to the lake I don't know how many times.

I am sorely tempted to pick up another F-150.....mostly or at least partly because I have had *bad* luck with GM products, and I have a close friend who has been through *two* late model Dodge trucks with a whole host of mechanical problems. I think the F-150 is a good rig, it's just that the V6 is better used as a boat anchor.

So my question is....what about the small block F-150's? Do they have issues with their V8 motors as well?

Oh, and don't worry....I'm still going to follow the links to ***** about losing the 4.2L..... :D

[Fudbert]

Just a side note here. I really don't want to discourage anyone posting here, but if you have more than 100,000 miles on your motor, then even the NHTSA really thinks that is enough. I know we want motors to last forever and the Japanese motors do last longer because they use fine thread bolts which the US manufacturers deemed too costly, go figure, so please keep up the posts, no matter the mileage, because a "customer satisfaction program" usually is based on years and not mileage.

[Fudbert]

The reason I'm here is because of the F-150. You see, they use the same motor as the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, etc. Since 1995-2001, there have been major defects in the engines made for these vehicles. Do yourself a favor, look elsewhere for a truck. Ford is in a deathspiral. Funny, my co-worker is a dedicated Ford man who felt my Ford defects were maybe, just the luck of the draw. So I did some research for this fellow on his new 2004 Diesel F-250 and found there is already an adjustment program in place to pull his tranny. Run away!!!!!

Oh, by the way, they hadn't notified him yet because they're kind of waiting for the fools to find out, but the program only lasts till Sept 05, but you have to read tea leaves (miss Cleo's not around anymore) or something to find out.

[Dmclean]

If the NHTSA really thinks that after 100,000 miles a vehicle is junk, I am amazed. It would be nice to always be buying new vehicles, but at $25,000 or more I can't afford it. Maybe they are only thinking of US made vehicles. I owned a 4x4 Toyota truck which had 50k miles on it when I got it. I just sold this truck, still very much running, with 240k miles on the clock. I don't know if it has anything to do with fine thread bolts, but the US auto builders should ask Toyota what they do to make this happen. Ford, are you listening?? Oh, yeah, I replaced the Toyota with another import.

[dsmeeh]

I got my 1997 4.2l f-150 new and did all the maintanence. I also never received anything on a recall and my motor only lasted 80,000 mi. when i took it back to ford country in henderson, nv. i was told it was going to cost me $4999.99 plus labor and that was if i baught a re-man. engine.
I would like to know if i have any other options?

[hydpe]

please add my 2000 f150 to the list of engines with bent or broken rods. i give it a complete tune up last week drove it 300 miles,ran the best it has in two years, parked it that night, started it up the next morning and it bent a rod? hydpe@yahoo.com

[cg_flipper]

After my engine suffered the inevitable engine coolant virus - I opted to rebuild rather then replace - We are a young couple with a toddler and are trying to save for a house - the following day after paying over a grand for the repair the clutch slave goes out - not very fun , in fact very scary - I could not shift gears , this happened while i was in first gear trying to stop - I nearly hit the car in front of me, thankfully I just shut the engine off and was able to slam on my brakes - back to the shop - another $250 - two days later my oil pressure is dropping when I am at a low RPM - and an new noise from the engine - I still owe $6000 on the truck and am now facing a tough decision to dump what I have saved to buy a house for my family into a new engine.
Thank you Ford!

Here are direct links to submit complaints.

nhtsa complaint (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/)

center for auto safty (http://www.autosafety.org/fileacomplaint.php)

[67Charger]

Add one (two) more to the list...

My '97 F-150 has been losing coolant internally since 72K. Never a dropon the ground or in the oil, so I assumed a head gasket and figured I'd run it until it died and then replace it. Well, at 137K I'm stilladding a quart a week to the coolant tank, but no rod knock. It will hydro-lock on start up if it sets for more than 2 days, but a simple removal if the #1 plug and cranking it over a few times empties it out. Reinstall plug and I can be on my way.

I recently bought a core motor to rebuild and install, and guess what was wrong with it at 72K, and thus the reason it wasm removed? Broken #1 rod with coolant stained plug.

[ibjojo]

[FONT=Garamond]I did some serious 4Xing last spring-did about 1,000 mi in 3 or 4 days, and a few days after I got home I started hearing a loud tick. Was hoping it was a manifold leak. It is now a loud enough knock for EVERYBODY to notice, and it's really kind of embarassing 'coz people keep telling me I should add some oil (yeah, I'm a girl, but DUH people!). I bought this thing spring of '03 and now have about 82k on it. you can bet first thing in the morning I'll be checking the coolant level, no white smoke so far, but it's starting to stall out at low RPM's every now and then, and the tranny is starting to make a loud whirring noise on occasion when I punch it. I'm gonna drive this SOB until the rod comes outta the block--I owe too much to do anything else! I will also file complaints with whomever will listen, but in the meantime, I have a friend who is a tech for a local ford dealership and I'm gonna get the inside scoop. He helped me get a $3500.00 rebuild on my 95 windstar a few years ago, so we'll see what happens.[/FONT]

[armydude82]

Quit complaining and get something better that a Ford
Duh!

[Fudbert]

Hi IbJojo,

From the description of the noise your engine is making, it sounds like you "stuffed a lifter". This is a common problem on Ford 460 engines (I know not your engine) from any year and occurs around 100,000 in the cylinders located on the exhaust side. The repair is not too bad for a home mechanic. What I suggest you do is go to any car parts store or even Walmart and buy some "RESLONE" oil additive and pour a quart in your motor. If this quiets it down, then that is the problem. From now on, ad a quart during every oil change in the place of one quart of oil. Do this, as I have done for years, if you don't want to replace the lifter(s) that are bad. This stuff works real well, but you will still hear some ticking, but about only a 1/4 as loud.

The lifters have springs inside them that collapse under hard driving and is quite common on all motors driven too extremes.

[cbdodd76]

I also have a useless 1997 F-150 ext cab sitting in front of my home. Last week I got in and tried to start it, but for the first time ever it hydrolocked on me. After letting it sit for a while she started right up. Of coarse she had a horrible knocking noise like I have never heard before. So after getting three opinions from different mechanics I have made the decision to have it repaired for around $2,000.00. I have followed all advise and maintanance guides in the user guide to the letter and look what I get. I have also taken my truck in to the dealer the day I received each of the three recall letters. I don't have this kind of money to fix problems that Ford has know about and refused to address. I plan on sending a letter to every Ford Dealer in the area as well as the local news stations. I would suggest everyone do the same thing. There are too many people having this problem to ignore this issue. If this problem was tires or fuel lines every truck inthe country would have been recalled and on every nightly news show in the country. If you have any ideas on what to do please E-Mail me at cbdodd76@hotmail.com. Thanks and good luck to all of you!

[Fudbert]

Are you here to help?
To all others, please include your motor size with your posts. Different motors, different problems. The reason for this is there a many sites that are posting these problems and when a search is done for the defects you write, the various sites will come up based on what motor size you post. The sites are being monitored by Ford and it is only this way they can assess the real impact they will have with appeasing current and future customers. For instance, let's say I want to buy a Ford (not you armydude82) and most savvy internet users now go to the forums to look at what folks are complaining about and you then find engine defects, tranny defects, rear end defects, etc. This data is important since many manufacturers will use the same engine, tranny, and rear end in model years dating over a period of time or about 5 years. So I am looking for a 2005 and find out the 2003, with the same engine, has a history of egregious defects. I, of course, will not buy the 2005 based on the history of the defects because it is certain to show up in the model year I am interested in. This is now a given and believe me, Ford is watching what you post.

I am selling my Ford. I am looking to purchase a Cadillac CTS. I went to many forums and looked at what people are saying. The worst problem I've seen with the car 2003 to 2005 is the rear end making a whirring noise. I was also able to see how the dealers are handling this. Most replaced the rear end and many have no problems, while some had it done twice. Will this stop me from buying the car, no since Cadillac appears to have fixed the problem in the 2005's. If this data was not available in the forums, then Cadillac may not have addressed the problem, as Ford certainly wouldn't have. I do agree with armydude82 on one point, don't buy Fords.

[armydude82]

naw I could really care less about your engine troubles, just thought that I would make it interesting. like I said, just get a new vehicle! Duh! ;)

[Simon]

I happened to run across this site, because I googled 'F150 4.2 coolant'.
I did so, because of desperation. My Wife and I orderd the new model Ford F-150 from a local dearler early on 1997. It was to be a worktruck, pulling a horse trailer on the weekends and daily driver for the wife. I ordered the standard motor (4.2 6cyl) and the towing package...which included lower ratio rear, HD trans.cooler, HD batt., HD alt. etc..
All is fine (although 200+ HP and touque proved not enough on hills), but motor has allways "used" coolant. At oil change (2500 to 3000 mi.), and between have had to add coolant.
At maybe 90,000, waterpump gave up (I thought!), and local dealer here in Delaware replaced pump and timing cover gasket for $700 or so.
It now has 105,000, and it is still useing coolant! A local mechanic replacing the wires noticed it was 1 gallon low, and my wife is not very happy!!
I am now contemplating trading vehicle in for a new one, and feeling cheated out of at least 100,000 mi. which is a huge cost.

[ynotknow]

We bought a 2004 F150 Heritage with the 4.2L V6 engine in July, 2004. The vehicle had about 1400 miles on it when purchased as a new vehicle. Everything went well the truck until about a week ago when the transmission felt like it was slipping. Actually, the transmission was shifting up into overdrive regardless of the speed it was almost impossible to get any power to accelerate the vehicle.

Anyway, we brought the vehicle to the local Ford dealer from whom we purchased it (Westway Ford in Irving, TX). Now the vehicle only has about 5K mile on it and we've only owned it for about 8 months. The dealer says the transmission appeared flooded (water mixed with the transmission fluid). We have never driven the vehicle in any deep water...just the usual rain/puddles on the street. They're saying the vehicle was abused so the transmission repairs will not be covered under warranty!! We have a $1K deductible (to keep our premiums low) on our insurance policy but I don't want to file a claim since we have done nothing but take good care of this vehicle.

Anyone out there seen similar transmission problems with a late model Ford pickup...Help!!!

[Fudbert]

Take it to another dealer. The vehicle is still under the original manufacturer warranty and no deductible should have to apply. Water in the trans? Check the vin number through carfax for $20 and see if it is a flood vehicle that the dealer bought at an auction, maybe from Florida. If so, force the dealer to fix the transmission with this new info since they sold you a vehicle with a known shifty (no pun) title. Check the laws in your area for vehicle fraud. It is against the law in most areas to sell a vehicle that was "salvaged" from an insurance claim due to flood damage. I wouldn't put it past the dealer trying to illegally sell a vehicle they bought for $5K at an auction to you for $20K.

I know this first hand from my in-laws. They bought a used car from a local dealer that represented the car as having 50,000 miles. I looked at the car and couldn't believe it by the amount of wear and sand damage under the car. I ran a check through carfax and it came up red flagged as odometer fraud. I contacted the dealer and said I will be contacting the county district attorney after the meeting with them to have their license revoked. It wasn't 10 minutes after I left the office with them, that they called my in-laws and told them they must bring the car back and the sale had been voided. My inlaws were actually mad at "me" for having done this to them, but they are old and didn't understand they were scammed. The dealer put them in a newer and nicer vehicle for the same price and a carfax check looked good on the vehicle. I couldn't convince the in-laws to go elsewhere and since we had dirt on the dealer anyway, the in-laws have actually been treated better than normal when follow-up maintenance is needed.

Let us know what the carfax report shows. Either way, they have to fix the vehicle. Water in a transmission it not common and unless you drove the vehicle in water over the top of the hood, couldn't happen under normal circumstances.

[Fudbert]

I just did some checking around and oboy, you better look elsewhere with Westway Ford. You need to get them out of the loop and go direct to the regional rep. only. The list of horror stories and investigations with Westway makes me shiver.

[Fordinva]

Ok, so you look at the history of a car to see what problems it's having...and if there's defects you won't buy the new one because the defects will be there as well (that's what you're saying, right?). Yet you admit you're wanting to buy a 2005 Caddy when it has a history of problems in the rear end. Hmmm... Find a story and stick to it here.
All I see are complaints about the 1997 and 1998 F150's, with maybe one mention of a 2000 somewhere. Let's see, 1997 was the very first year of that new design, and of that new 4.2L engine. So naturally there will be kinks in the design...what looks perfect on the drawing board may not work in real life. (Consider, it took Thomas Edison 2,000 tries to perfect the light bulb.)
Since I'm NOT seeing reports of these coolant problems in 2001+ F150's, it sure seems like the problem is FIXED to me, yet you all love to rant about "don't buy any Fords." Yet you are willing to buy a Caddy with a past history of problems.
Oh, and let's not forget that the F150 has been the WORLD's BEST Selling Vehicle for over TWO decades. In 2004, total sales reached nearly 1,000,000 vehicles. Seems that shows there's a Lot of happy people out there.
My sister's 1988 Crown Vic, (which means it is now 17 years old) was originally a Police Car. It still runs as fast as it ever did, has the original engine, with about 400,000 miles. She drives it every day, six days a week. I'd like to see any Toyoder or Honder that can do that. Oh yeah, the Hondas are catching fire after simple oil changes!!!

[QUOTE=Fudbert] So I am looking for a 2005 and find out the 2003, with the same engine, has a history of egregious defects. I, of course, will not buy the 2005 based on the history of the defects because it is certain to show up in the model year I am interested in.
I am looking to purchase a Cadillac CTS. I went to many forums and looked at what people are saying. The worst problem I've seen with the car 2003 to 2005 is the rear end making a whirring noise. Most replaced the rear end and many have no problems, while some had it done twice. Will this stop me from buying the car, no since Cadillac appears to have fixed the problem in the 2005's. [/QUOTE]

[Fudbert]

What I am saying is I would rather own a car that can be repaired, by dealers who care and by a company that follows through. I don't want to deal with dealers, who knowingly because of TSB's and "customer satisfaction programs", not available to retail purchasers and only to the "fleet purchasers" lie, cheat and steal their way to your pocket book, all with the blessing of the manufacturer. Are you reading what the other folks are saying? Have you been to the other sites with the same type of posts?

Hey, I own an F250 that has served me well. Problem is, Ford has been in the dumps since they almost went bankrupt, and the bean counters are still redesigning after their competent engineers. Imagine doing a good job at designing a product as an engineer, as I am, only to have the bean counters decide for you that the product will be cheaper to make out of plastic, as they have done with the intake manifolds on the 4.6L and 5.4L engines since 1998 to 2001, which crack and fail in huge numbers causing engine failure, and then turn around and now make them out of aluminum, as the original design. Do you think a reputable engineer wants this to happen? No. That's why the engineers have started their own site to complain about this dilemma, but under assumed names since they still work there.

I can live with a noisy rear end that can be replaced quickly and with no guff from the service rep. What I said is they fixed the problem in the 05's, but made it right with those from 2003. Ford would have just ignored the problem and lied to those asking for compensation. If you are confused, that is your right, as my right as a former Ford owner to say I am tired of, for instance my last Ford (91 and don't ask why I purchased with them again) with a blown tranny at 46,000 miles and my current car with a motor pull and head gasket replacement at 50,000 miles and my wife possibly driving to work and having the engine blow up because of a plastic intake manifold. One thing I'm not confused about; I'm not confused about dumping Ford forever.

Answer me on this one; Do you work for Ford? Are the mechanics still going union? Are the dealers complaining on their own websites about losing incentives? Are the bean counters trying to cut hours on the book rates on warranty repairs?

[Fudbert]

Hey Fordinva, ask your sister if she wants to buy my Grand Marquis? It has real low mileage. I'll sell it to her cheap.

[P-Oed_inIowa]

Ok I'm a lil worried after reading some of these posts. My truck is a 99 F-150 4.2L with 58000 miles. I found water under the oil filler cap this weekend.
My first thought was condensation because I only have a short drive each day to work and back and it never reaches normal operating temp.
But now I wonder if this lower intake gasket problem may extend further than 98.
Anyone else out there having any problems with trucks newer than 98?

[dbappl]

I have read the horror stories and am ashamed of Ford now. I have a '73' Camper Special with 36,000 miles a 390 engine. I just bought a '97' F150 with a Clunky engine(4.2) for $500.00. I was expecting to put another 4.2 in it but, I have read the problems on this site and want to ask anyone with info: Can the 4.9 engine be installed in the 4.2 engines place? Will I need another wiring system? Will it bolt up to the 5 speed automatic overdrive tranny? Since I was planning to put an engine in it anyway, I would like to know if I have an option about the engine. P.S. If it is any help, the front clip is worth at least $1500.00 at a junk yard, so don't give them away. Save them (if you can) at least untill you know if Ford comes thru or not.

[Nomorefords]

Dear Fordinva,

Thank you for your information about the problems with the ford 4.2 engine. Your sales quotes were inspiring. :D (Goverment Contracts?)

You might want to try the website Leakingfords.com. This site may give you a hint of what we are talking about.

Now, take your sister and her car and go back to the bridge you came from.

[Fudbert]

Fordinva, do you have any information for the fix with the spark plugs shooting out of the F150's? Is there a fix yet? Seems to happen past the 2001's. Putting metal inserts in seem to cause the cylinder/spark plug interface to over heat due to thermal transfer issues. Got any suggestions. Exchange heads maybe with heads that do the same thing?

My favorite though is the poor folks that lost their homes because of the cruise control switch. Can you believe Ford told them their homes weren't covered because they had homeowners insurance? Lawyers will be laughing all the way to court with that one.

Do you really think any of the nice people here who spent good money on a defective product care about how many of these defects made it into the market, as your numbers show? We're posting here about how real people are affected financially and lost time, by a company that has a long history of producing a million cars with a known defect and then denying the problem exists. I don't seem to find websites like blueovalnews, flamingfords.info (used to be .com), flatratetech.com, leakingfords.com, f150online, this site and the hundreds of others that write, complain, post comments about disallowance of warranty repair or any help with a known defect or TSB, dealernews.com is another source of dealers fed up on the inside.

What you need to do is go to ilovefords.com and post there. Maybe you won't get flamed. But post comments here to people affected financially, some having to make decisions on fixing a car or buying a house because it ain't easy, people with real money worries, and you with get some real wrath.

If you work for Ford, go back and tell them people aren't going to take it anymore. We're done. Ford maybe for the first time is facing the possibility of becoming number 4 in the market this year, with Chevy almost taking the truck spot last year. There is a reason for this. No amount of advertising can make any of the folks I have seen posting come back to Ford. I don't care if they make the most perfect car in the world, no one will know because they have moved on. I see a Ford advertisement and I always turn the TV down, I'm that pissed. I'll say it, I HATE FORD. This is not a rant, this is someone who spent over $50,000 in my last 2 vehicles and was treated like crap by both the dealer and the manufacturer.

[BullDog]

I would like to thank all of you who have posted on these forums. I purchased a 1997 F150 with a 4.2 V6 in it, just last Wednesday, a week ago tomorrow.

After driving it for a few days, I found that the oil pressure sending unit was going bad. When I would come to a stop the oil pressure would drop to zero, yet the truck ran fine. So finding this problem prompted me too search for more. And I found this site. After reading all of these posts, I opened the hood of my truck and found evidence of moisture in the oil.

I immediatley took the truck to a trusted mechanic. My truck has 130,000 miles on it, and my mechanic says that there is evidence of the gasket being replaced before, possibly around 60-70,000 miles. Well now I have double that, and it is in need again, and because of this post I caught it early enough to fix it relatively cheap, well compared to a new engine, it's cheap, I might have 7-9 hundred into it.

My mechanic told me about the new gaskets that are thicker and fix the problem, but any fixed during the re-call by a Ford Dealership may have been a cheaper gasket, upgraded from the original, but still not made to last. So if any one has a fixed one that was done at a dealership, you may want to keep an eye on it, and when it breaks again take it to an honest mechanic that you trust, and not a dealership who will scam you to make a nickle!

Thanks
BullDog

[cg_flipper]

What solved the oil pressure problem? My F150 just started to do this after I got it back from the sho for the whole gasket issue. I thought it might be related so I haven't driven it all week.

[BullDog]

Hey Flip, it ended up being the oil pressure sending unit, simple fix, I got the part at a parts store for 8 bucks and changed it out in about 20 minutes, it is right next to the oil filter.

[BullDog]

The sending unit is on the left front of block, I was thinking about something else, anyway replacing it, fixed my problem, hope this helps

[Back2Bowtie]

First off I would like to say that three generations of my family are loyal to Ford. However my first vehicle was a 91 chevy blazer that I bought for $1000 dollars, put 60,000 miles on and sold for a $800 dollars with 210,000 miles on the trusty-rusty.That was a great investment. With that said I now want to share with anyone that is going to read this that after 4 years of saving from my landscaping job at the age of 18 I went and purchased a 97 F-150 with the 5.4 triton from a trusted, long time friend of my family. He had taken better car of this truck than himself. He had every service record and every reciept for any penny he had stuck into the truck. It had 84,000 miles. I recently hit 103,000 miles and I noticed that my truck was leaking coolant. I had to fill it up at least twice a day all last week just to get to work and home. I just brought it in to a friend of the family who had worked for Ford for a few years and he said this was a very common problem, and I would need a new radiator. The problem involves a plastic or rubber gasket that was wrapped around metal that melted and now causes the radiator to leak faster than I can put coolant in. That is the best I can explain it, the problem area is on the left side of the radiator. I know this problem isn't as bad as some of the others on this site but couldn't it be manufactured differently to make it stronger? I believe my trusted friend about needing a new radiator but I really don't have an extra $200 dollars and I can't afford to be out a vehicle for however long it takes to get the radiator repaired or replaced. I now there are a few motorheads out there that could tell me if I can fix it myself. Also after reading some of these complaints about Fords I am kind of curious if there are any problems that could strike around 100,000 miles for the 5.4L in the 97' that I should watch out for. Should I be ready to throw the "for sale" sign on and go back 2 the trusty bowtie? Thanks to anyone who can answer any of my questions and for just reading this.

[Fudbert]

I believe your friend is right. There are plastic tanks on each side of the radiator. After allot of miles, the rubber gaskets will leak. But be careful, some of the radiators are epoxied together. In other words, the rods (tubes that go up and down) may be glued in at the top and bottom tank with epoxy. If so and you take it to a radiator shop, the mechanic may say it needs replacement since this is also a failure area. Don't second guess him on this if he says so, because he will be right.

Usually, on your first radiator rebuild and "rodding", you can simply get away with having them replace the plastic tank and gasket. This whole job and rodding should not cost more than a hundred bucks. I know this because every truck I have ever owned started this process after about 100,000 miles.

So take it out and take it to a radiator shop. It's not worth the extra cost of having the mechanic take it out. Its simple to do, but you need to take the shroud off, again, not hard. When you get it back, always use 50/50 anti-freeze and DISTILLED water. Don't ever put tap water in your radiator, ever. Remember this, put the shroud over the fan first before re-installing the radiator. If you don't, you may not have enough clearance to put the shroud on with the radiator in place. This I usually forget, each and every time, but I have issues. Good luck

[DocJohn]

Gentelmen,

Fist of all, thanks for the good information and trying to give the consumer a voice. That being said, add me to the list I guess. My truck didnt qualify for the manifold gasket program as I was told it had ended by the time I figured out what was wrong. I have a 2nd owner 97 F150 XL with the 4.2L V6. I purchased the truck in 09/00 with 102,000 miles on her. At around 112,000 I noticed the coolent leak and thought it to be a head gasket. My friend is a ford mechanic and told me about the intake problem. Not haveing another $600 bucks to throw at it at the moment, I tried Barsleak at his reccomendation to get me by for a while. I have over 160,000 on her now with no more coolent leak. I change the oil every 3K miles with no apparent coolent in the oil.

But now I am afraid to flush the coolent system and I live I Chicago and I know its old and needs to be changed. I can afford the manifold fix now, but if it aint broke........ Either way its a ticking time bomb. I love the truck and it has been a dream to own otherwise. So any opinions from you guys would be appreciated. Other than to just sell it because I cant afford a new truck. Thanks for your help

DJ

[Fudbert]

Well DocJohn, you have a tough decision. You could always say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if you want a reliable vehicle, you may want to consider buying a short block or long block to replace an engine that gave you some good miles. Yes, I'm coming off my hate Ford for a minute with this answer.

Barsleak is good stuff, but not really meant for aluminum heads. It has a tendency to block the coolant ports in the aluminum heads. Anyone I have known to use that stuff, upon disassembly found the coolant ports to be smaller in diameter than original since the stop leak clings to the edges of the ports, making the ports smaller in diameter. Maybe not noticeable in a cold Chicago winter, but could be a problem in the hot summer months.

If you consider the $600 you quoted for the intake manifold fix, you still have the barsleak in the engine and radiator. At this point, you will have to have the radiator rodded and cleaned in a hot tank. The heads will have to be gone through and the ports cleaned and valves and the rest.

I personally would start to look for another engine. My rule for this is, do I want to keep the truck? Is the body and interior clean? Has the tranny been kept up with proper servicing? Is it a 4X4? 160,000 miles means the wheel bearings are due and most of the rubber bushings will need to be replaced (I did this this weekend on my 4X4 and its not for the weak). So you are now in the nickel and dime portion of owning this vehicle that needs a motor. You may find it easier to find a truck with fewer miles at less expense than what I am describing. Sometimes its better to look backward in years than forward if you want a Ford. I have an 87 F250 4X4 with a 460. The 460 is a good engine, but a fuel hog. The C-6 is a good tranny. I personally wouldn't go much past the 80's for a Ford truck. When they started putting fuel injection in, they started having problems and then the problems kept getting worse as time goes on. The other side is a newer Dodge. Early edition 1/2 tons had tranny and rear end problems, as well as brakes. 3/4 tons had less problems with rear ends, but still tranny's from time to time.

Anyway, I feel for you. I am in the same boat. I was looking for a new diesel truck, but now have to keep the old truck on the road because the Marquis is on the selling block. Hope any of this helps my friend.

[editbear11]

The motor on my 97 f150 4.2L v6 crapped out on me this weekend. It ran fine then when I cranked up the next morning it clanked like it had thrown a rod or something. Underneth the truck was a nice puddle of coolant.

After reading the threads on this sight I realize that all the problems I've been having is excatly the same as other people who have written here, I also got no notice of a recall on the Gasket. This is really going to set me back lots of cash. I would trade the truck in but financally i cant afford it. I also cant afford to get the motor rebuilt and have this happen again. I would love to get in on the class action suit if it gets going. Its crazy that a giant like Ford lets something go like this! But this is the same company that let the pinto go for so long!

ps. If anyone has any suggestions on what i can do, or help find another motor or anything please email me at editbear11@aol.com it would be greatly appreaciated!

[bulpn]

Nothing really new here, I am the proud owner of a 1997 Ford F-150 with a new 4.2 V6 engine. My factory motor is now a boat anchor. Same deal, front cover leaking, fixed that and low and behold, less than 500 miles later the engine hydro locked. So with 80246 miles the genuine Ford parts were done. And I know everyone here will be shocked... but Ford does not/will not acknowledge a "Material Defect" in the gaskets that are failing. I did not use a Ford dealership; instead found a reputable local motor shop so I am only out $2150.00 to R&R the motor. Basically I am just venting here, and would like to stay in touch, in case we ever get a class-action or some/any kind of satisfaction from Ford. Oh...by the way, have the rest of you F-150 owners received the notice from Ford to "check" your tie-rod ends? Do not bother, just go replace them before you start inexplicably wearing out your front tires, trust me, not Ford, your tie-rod ends are either bad or already headed South, more "genuine Ford" parts.

[Fudbert]

Remember, if you ask a Ford service manager about a condition you're having with a defect, they will always say something like, "I'm not sure or maybe a few or we'll have to look at it first". I'm sorry, but I was lied to when I went in for my defect that internal Ford documents showed they not only knew, but could give a rat’s hinny to me as a customer. That's ok; I'm done with them. I have never owned anything but Fords, but I won't be back or any other member of my family and the hundreds of others I hope I have scared off. Hey Ford, one customer does make a difference. My "Job 1" is to make sure you lose customers, but your doing a better job 1 at it than I ever could.

Hey, here's proof they aren't telling the truth to you folks with 4.2L defects and coolant. Want to see the graphic pictures and documents, go to http://www.leakingfords.com/tsb99207.html

[editbear11]

Ohh yeah, the dealership I took it to said they knew nothing about the problem. They said "We've seen a couple of these problems but know nothing about it being problematic". Right! LIES! LIES! LIES! This has made me so sick! FORD SUCKS! I think im just gonna let the damn thing go back......NEVER to buy a FORD again! NEVER!

[ALHsDaddy]

My 1997 Ford F150 4.2L V6 with 149645 miles experienced the infamous broken rod Saturday morning, March 26, 2005. Same story as others here except I didn't notice the coolant problem, mainly because I put 2 radiators in the truck in the last 11 months. How come the LeakingFord links don't work?

I registered a complaint with both organizations listed in these postings.

[rick leg]

:confused: was thinking of buying my sisters 98 f150 with a rebuilt engine....but after seeing all the horror stories on this great site......i'm a little reluctant.......might lose a sister lol .....are rebuilds on 4.2's okay? or does it depend on the mechanic's knowledge of past history??????or are better gaskets a solid solution?...........class action should be in the works! i'm in canada.......most stories are u.s. origin.......no pissed off judges or lawyers drive an f150?........help is'nt in view???????????????

[blackhawk101]

I have a 97 F150 4.2L and am in the same situation. My coolent is disappearing, it is starting to seize up when I start it and I have foam under my oil cap! I brought it to Ford under warranty about 2 years ago and they told me it was my coolant cap, and oil cap! which it is not! when I start the engine I smell the coolant burning, and saw the white smoke! so if any of you have any suggestions, or plan to do the class action class let me know!

[Fudbert]

I'm guessing here, but you're right LeakingFords is gone. The link I posted still works, I think, at least it did the other day. Either they just quit or like blueovalnews.com, got sued by Ford. Blueoval prevailed in the courts and if you go to their website, you can read the story about the suit. From what they claim on their site, Ford hired hackers to break in to their site during the litigation. Quite a good read for those that want to see the real picture if you complain too much.

[dillong]

:confused: I stumbled upon this site by mistake but I guess I am glad I did. After reading this post I think I may now know why my 97' F-150 4.2L acts the way it does. Almost every morning when I start it, it sounds terrible. The whole truck shakes like mad for a few seconds, then sputters and dies. Upon the second start it runs great. Just recently I noticed the heater bring in nuetral air, neither cold nor hot. I just checked the coolant and there is none in the resevoir. My truck only has 65,000 miles on it. Is there any preventative action I can take before it is too late?!

[Fudbert]

Here is the link on the Ford lawsuit. It shows what happens to websites that try and tell the truth about a company and it's operations and quality of the products they make. Great ending because the lawsuit backfired on Ford.

http://www.blueovalnews.com/lawsuit_ford/

[afroggydo]

it was probably a month ago i noticed a water leak about 10000 over warranty had the timing chain cover gasket fixed on my way home stopped at a stop sing it died waited 5 minutes it starrted agin then the bad nock started by this time it was to late the motor was hatched
THIS WILL BE MY LAST NEWER FORD I'M NOW A DODGE FANATIC I HAVE A 99 1500 WITH 4 TIME THE MILES AND ABSOLUTLEY NO PROBLEMS
I WAS A HUG FORD FAN TILL THIS THE RECALL IS EXPIRED AND NO WARRANTY WITH 59000 MILES AND IT'S DONE
:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Fudbert]

Those of you that are affected by the 4.2L defective gaskets should contact this law firm. They are suing Ford for defective plastic intake manifolds on vehicles with 4.6L engines produced from 1996 to 2001. This is a class action lawsuit that goes to trial on May 16, 2005. The trial is in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.

I believe if this law firm sees the scope of the defects in gaskets, whether it's the 4.2L engine or those that are in the 4.6L and 5.4L engines, they will hopefully go forth with another suit related to these gasket defects and Ford's denial of these defects.

It is my belief that the gasket defects in these vehicles far exceed those that forced Ford to replace the head gaskets in the 3.8L engines produced from 1988 to 1995. This program was the largest in history. We'll see if that pales in comparison to this latest defect swarm.

Go to http://www.lrolaw.com (that's a small L in lrolaw) Let's stick together on this folks.

[SteveMacJr]

I am at the end of my patience with Ford and my 98 F-150 internal coolant leaking noise rattling problems. I have not had the dreaded hydro lock as of yet. I have tried to speak with the sales manager at North Bay Ford in Santa Cruz CA about mine and others motor problems with out success. I am drafting a lengthy email with my history and in an attempt to get a new motor put in my truck. I am even willing to pay the $2000 for the motor if they pay for the installation ($2200). I am only willing to do this because I know my truck is about to completly die and don't want to be stuck with the "6000 lb lawn orniment" worth nothing.

I still think Ford makes good quality cars and trucks - for the most part. I do however think their customer support is lacking and almost non-existent. I have owned 5 other Fords that have not had any problems.

Anyone recomend anyting? Trade in value is just under 4K (not mentioning the failure in the motor of course) and $7,500 with a new motor in it.

[DORF]

DORF thats ford spelled backwards thats how they build these trucks . My f 150 also hydrolocked about 3 weeks ago 93 thousand not even mech. limit
. I am now awaiting a new Jasper motor and a hefty bill to go with it not to mention how much i will lose on this lemon truck. I could have took a taxi cheaper.I all for the class action suite Carpenters_inc@hotmail.com

[DORF]

[QUOTE=DORF]DORF thats ford spelled backwards thats how they build these trucks . My f 150 also hydrolocked about 3 weeks ago 93 thousand not even mech. limit
. I am now awaiting a new Jasper motor and a hefty bill to go with it not to mention how much i will lose on this lemon truck. I could have took a taxi cheaper.I all for the class action suite Carpenters_inc@hotmail.com[/QUOTE]
oh by the way it was a 1997 of course and i have put 2 idler arms on lower ball joints pitman arm 2 new rotors and lots of other parts it's falling apart. :eek:

[Fudbert]

To SteveMacJr.

Believe me, I felt the same way as you do, with one exception, I finally realized Ford does not make a quality product. It took me 2 new cars to realize that. I have done extensive research into defects in Ford produced vehicles. It ain't pretty and they know that. This is the reason they are now in a state of total denial with their products and facing recalls and lawsuits. Burning homes, leaking gaskets, cracking intake manifolds made of plastic and shooting spark plugs are tops with the defects.

All anyone has to do and I HAVE NO DOUBT FORD IS DOING, is do a search on any of the above mentioned defects and what do you get "FORDS JOB 1". This company has had more litigation per any other manufacturer of automobiles, hands down. So why do people buy Fords? Simple, their family always did.

It took me 2 defect riddled cars to come to my senses. Now I am Ford's number one enemy. I told them this and they know it. I will be in court to watch them try and lie, as they have done to all of you. They will not prevail as they tried to already get the latest case thrown out by the 9th Circuit Court and they did not prevail. Ford builds litigation into every car they make. They would rather pay lawyers instead of making it right by you, the consumer. They will lose this case and the next case will be the gaskets, and they will lose. So much for repeat customers, but there are plaintiffs out there looking for a car. Want to know how fast a Mustang can go? As fast as a tow truck.

[Dktx]

Pass this on, good info from AjRagno.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID6/126.html

Hello!!!
This is one step to take towards holding Ford accountable.

Considering that many of the 1997 4.2L engines experiencing gasket failures were not included in Recall 99B29, this is a step towards expanding that recall.

Although Ford doesn't acknowledge 99B29 as a recall, it is listed by the NHTSA as such. Therefore filing a Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire at

https://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/oscripts/IVOQ/VOQ/voq1.cfm

will give this issue priority status with Government Investigator's. Each and every complaint is also forwarded to Ford.

It's very important that information provided is accurate, complete and stated with a common language between all of us.

-Use the full name and address of the registered owner
-Leave a contact phone #
-Answer "Yes" to the question on page #1 of whether or not a copy of this report should be forwarded to the manufacturer
-Provide complete VIN
-Vehicle make: Ford (not Ford Truck)
-Vehicle Model: F-150
-Engine size is: 4.2L
-Major Assembly: Engine

-Assembly Description:

This is vital: If the timing cover gasket failed, it must be worded as "Front Engine Cover Gasket". If the lower maniflod gasket failed, it must be worded as "Lower Intake Manifold Side Gaskets". If a head gasket failed, it must be worded as "Head Gasket". (Looking at the engine from the front, the driver side is the "Left" cylinder and the passenger side is the "Right").


The final page is titled "Description/Additional Comments". The wording I used is:

"Front Engine Cover Gasket failed in line with Recall 99B29. Ford does not include my truck, built 05/97 in Recall Campaign 99B29 indicating the original recall has been inadequate."

For the lower manifold gaskets, I stated:

"Lower Intake Manifold Side Gaskets failed, allowing coolant to leak into engine oil. Issue is addressed by Ford with TSB Article No. 99-20-7."

This wording is very important because it is the same language Ford is using and will allow for a simplified data search. Please forward this information to anyone you know who's experienced these problems and encourage them to file.

E-mails can also be sent to, Ann O'Neill at (address removed, click here)
Ann O'Neill is the Executive Director, Customer Service Division. North America. She handled the 99B29 recall as well as the head gasket warranty extension of the '95-'96 3.8L Windstars.

[Fudbert]

Dktx, just curious. How were you still able to get the info from AjRagno? Isn't this the person who had the website leakingfords.com? The site has gone away and it had allot of good stuff on it.

Anyway, thanks for the post. This is really important stuff you put up. Again, thanks.

[ford_sux]

I just found this site, and see that I am not the only one with a 97 f150 v6 with a bad problem! My repair man just let me know that my f150 has a let a rod fly!!! ps 72000 miles I got the truck with 52000 miles and had the water pump replaced because I that it was the source of my cold leak! That took care of the leak I could see or so I thought. The truck is now empty of coolant and has a big repair bill. What do I do next? Replace the engine? Rebuild, and will this prevent this form hapening again? Or put a used engine in and pass the problems off? "my repair mans suggestion"

p.s. I had a 92 t-bird, loved that car, met my and dated my wife in that car, never had any problems other than replacing the head gasket 2 times.

[DORF]

Just got my Dorf back new long block Jasper motor installed price with installation kit which included new hose's, belt, water pump, plugs, wires.$3,583.86. Thanks FORD for a loser truck,but i'll keep in mine Chevy and Dodge have the same issue and remember to go Japan next time... :) 2mar i'll rip the Ford embles off 4 now it is a HALF BREED Just like ford and the other USA built junk all mixed up !!!!

[CYYCCAN]

Bought a 1997 F-150XL with 179000km three weeks ago. I put about 1000km on it. Went to work it ran great. In the evening went to start it nothing. Replaced the starter and fired it up only to have a loud knocking and white smoke pooring out the tailpipe. I guess i'll be replacing the engine this week....too pissed to walk away from a truck I just bought.
I wish I known about the problem before I bought the paper weight

[dhwco]

Count me as screwed too. Front two cylinders on left side filled with water. Blew rods on starting. $4k to replace engine. Decided to junk the truck. Did get $300 from a junkyard however so not a total loss. If I do this 13 more times I can get enough to pay for a new engine......

[DORF]

Wow!!!! 300 dollars. If anyone else is junking their truck for a couple hundred let me know guess now i can use the extra parts. mines 97 f-150 4x4 In Pa ,Md ,Del

[dhwco]

Actually, you can expect to get around 700 to 900 for your truck in a junk yard.

My reasoning was: truck was worth 4,000. to put in a new engine =$4000 but now the truck was worth maybe $5,000. I got 700 from the junk yard. the reason i stated I sold it for $300 was because I had just purchased new tires for $400 and for brevity stated i sold it for $300 as that was my net in this particular case. No, the junkyard did not give me more for the tires. He was primarily interested in the transmission and other parts.

I am correcting this as selling to a junkyard might be the best option for some of you to consider, courtesy of Ford Motor Company.

[houtech]

I have a 2002 F150 with the 4.2L v6 in it. Ever since the day I bought it(new) I have had nothing but problems from it. First, the transmission would not shift correctly, and after taking it to the dealership twice and having them replace the entire clutch master/slave system and changing gears in the transmission, it still did not help the shifting problem. Since then, I have had to change the slave cylider twice. Now, on cold mornings, I lose most of my fluid, and cant use the clutch.

The real kicker is that 2 days ago, when I rolled over 100K miles, I think I either spun a bearing or broke a rod, I'm not sure which, but it makes an AWFUL clacking noise. I have parked the truck in my driveway (still making payments on it) and I need to get a new engine.

I have a '90 model pickup with an EFI 351 that I am thinking about transplanting into my truck and bypassing the 4.2 problem altogether. I am wondering if anyone out there has done this, or if they have swapped in a 4.6 or 5.4 litre. I'm tired of this crappy 4.2 and transmission in my truck.

[blades6]

I have a 97 f-150 with the 4.2, and 170,000 miles. About two months ago it started to rattle, so I decided to put a new or used engine in it. I stumbled across this site while searching for the replacement, and now don't know what to do :confused: :mad: :confused: :mad: :confused: :mad:

[Randal]

[FONT=Times New Roman]I have taken good care of my 1998 F150. Bought it new and have the oil changed every 3-5,000 miles. [/FONT]Took it in in 2001 because I was losing antifreeze. They checked it and said there was nothing wrong. Have had it checked twice since then. Still losing antifreeze but no one knew where it went. Today on the way home from work, noticed my oil pressure gauge dropping to 0 when the truck idled. Took it to local mechanic. He called local Ford dealership. They said the motor was getting ready to blow. They said I was lucky it had lasted as long as it had. From all the rest of the postings, I'm sure I know where the coolant was going--right into my engine. Now I'm going to be out $4,000. Called the people about replacing it and they said I was the 4th one this month. Called Ford and they said it had lasted as long as it should. Filed complaint with NHTSA and Consumer Protection. This is a defective motor and Ford should stand good no matter how many miles!!!!!!

[blades6]

decided to go with rebuilt motor since ford can't do it right.
luckily i found one near where I live for 1360.00. this sounds better than the prices I'am seeing here.

[a33willys]

I have a '97 F-150 4.2 with 56,000 miles. Got the wake-up smoke and hard strt today! Called Ford Customer Relations, and was told the truck never had a recall, or problem. Estimate to repair $6-800.00 if I was lucky, the repair shop owner showed me the TSB and so I called customer relations and 2 dealers about it. I have a LT-9000 ford I love 735,000 miles, but it's a diesel. I guess I wil try "Barsleaks" sealer and trade it off to a Dodge dealer for a Cummins powered pickup. I will join any class action suit anyone has going. The one at the site listed in this forum is for 4.6 overhead cam engine manifold and does not pertain to 4.2's in F-150's or I'd jump right in. Thats it for now, by the way I am a professional race truck driver at www.wheelstander.com See you all later.

[aredhel]

found this site by accident. kind of comforting to know i'm not alone in this problem. i have a 97 f-150, one of the really early ones, built in april of 96. within 2 weeks of purchase my check-engine light came on, brought it into holmes tuttle ford. they couldn't find anything wrong and shut off the light. :confused: couple of days later light came on again, took truck back in, same story. :( this pattern continued for a couple more weeks and i got tired of sitting around the ford dealership so decided to ignore the light (mistake, i know now). :o anyway, went along just fine until about 2-1/2 years ago when the engine developed a "corrosion hole" (my mechanics term). mechanic cleaned up the hole, plugged it, and warranteed the work for 5 minutes or 500 feet, whichever came first. plug lasted until now, spewing coolant everywhere. never heard anything about any recall on these engines. who would have thought that my daughter's 1984 toyota would turn out to be the more reliable vehicle?

[F.O.R.D]

sadly this song remains the same for me aswell just the other day i woke up went to start my 97 f150 got this awful racket but i dont think its a rod i hope anyway i thought my starter or ignition module had gone out again which makes about the same noise until i happened to look at the exhaust and it was pouring out white smoke and left my hand wet aswell anyway i dont want to trash the truck since the body is in mint condition.Luckily there is no coolant in crank case so im hoping to find the gaskets are blown.But this did it for me i went out and baught me a new dodge,though toyotas pretty good too. Anyway im fed up whith ford theyre just not as good as they used to be im the only owner of this one and had to pay for new comp. a couple of ignit modls and now this shoot! its only got 120k its as if these trucks were engineered to break down like this im afraid this is no coincidence or an isolated event at all . i'll gladly join any class action law suits. please someone let me know of any thanks

[wtmIII]

Last night we got into my 98 Ford F-150, started the 4.2 engine and the ticking noise was so loud that I immediately turned it off. Last week, I changed the spark plugs because the engine was beginning to run a little less than smooth. This was the second spark plug change in the truck's 72,000 miles. When I took out the front left spark plug, some fluid came out, but not very much. I was surprised, but when I started the engine after changing the spark plugs, it ran smooth. So, everything seemed okay. A little bit of white smoke came out, but because it stopped, I thought that it was simply condensation. I had lost some coolant in the past, but I thought that this was normal, since it wasn't a large amount. Since I bought the truck new, I have either done the normal maintinance or had it done under my supervision. Never has the truck been over used, i.e. run hot or strained with too heavy a load.
Thinking that the problem was the spark plug change, I went to the first plug on the left as you face the engine, took it out and there was no coolant! I changed the spark plug thinking that it was fouled. That did not stop the loud ticking noise. I knew that I was out of my league, so I called a mechanic friend of mine. He came over and listened to the loud ticking noise. He then called a friend who was very familiar with the F-150. The friend said that the 4.2 engine had had a lot of problems with head gaskets and thrown rods. My mechanic described my problem and they both concurred that a rod bearing was going bad. They suggested that I go to the store and buy some STP oil treatment, put it in the engine and immediately go to a Ford dealer and trade in the truck.
My dilema is that I don't think that I want another Ford product after reading everyone else's complaints, so how can I unload this truck at the Ford dealership without buying a new Ford. Won't they be suspicious if I show up and tell them I want to sell the truck without buying a new one?
Also, will the STP work in the short run?
I have experienced the same kind of poor treatment from the Ford service people. Why do we continue to buy their products if they treat us this way? I understand that cars will have problems, but I also understand that a company that does not help you when their products do have problems is destined to die!!! Ford! If you are reading these statements from your customers, wise up before they go someplace else to buy their vehicles!!!

[diana]

Same thing happened to me. Got back from a trip to pheonix. Just had maitenance done, everything looked fine. I started my '98 4.2L v6 to move it out of the driveway and the engine sounded like it was going to rattle right out of the hood. White smoke billowing out of the tail pipe. I shut it down immediately and had it towed