My 4.2 locked up - Ford F150 Forum

stepsiderob · 06-11-2009, 10:59 AM

left work last thursday and my my 97 4.2 with 140,000 miles on it wouldnt start, the starter engaged but the engine would hit a spot where it just locked up, (if you rocked it back and forth it seemed to free up but as soon as you engage the starter it would hit the same spot and lock up), I'm in the process of tearing it down right now but I've found another engine with half the miles on it and I,m thinking of just swapping engines, what would you guys do?

I,m thinking that I could put good money into an old engine and still have something go later on.

Rob

13Fox150 · 06-11-2009, 11:43 AM

If you plan on tearing down and rebuilding the whole thing I would go with that.

backman · 06-11-2009, 08:26 PM

my v6 did that the driver side 2nd clinder filled with antifreeze,replaced intake ,pleniunm, gaskets and new injector seals,cost $80.for parts works good no problems. ps it has 140,000 miles uses no oil Rick in ncpa

02flaresidesport · 06-12-2009, 06:39 AM

Thats great to know I am sitting at 130k

liftedfordturbo · 06-12-2009, 03:06 PM

I would go ahead and say get the new motor and swap it and then rebuild your old one. maybe even Bore it out

. but keep your old motor no matter what becuase you never know when you want to do something crazy. plus you can rebuild it and still have a motor in your truck. but as some advice when/if you get the new motor i would replace the gaskets just to be sure and careful.

the real ess · 06-12-2009, 09:51 PM

I'm surprised to hear about the V6 motor problems with so few miles. I got 187K on mine. It never used a drop of oil (I went 6K between changes). The only things I had to replace were the alternator-twice, serp belt, ABS sensor, cruise cable (Ford replaced the cruise solenoid for me after it caught fire). And it went through plugs like crazy. But it was probably the second best motor of any vehicle I've ever owned. Sold it to my neighbor down the street & he still drives it around.

stepsiderob · 06-13-2009, 04:18 PM

I've decided to go with Mr. lifted turbo's suggestion, the new motor is already being checked over and being fitted with new gaskets, it's got a different intake than my old one but I was asssured it'll bolt in no problem, (the old engine has an aluminum intake plenum and the new one has a plastic one) it'll be a while before I can rebuild the old engine but what kind of mods do you guys suggest for the 4.2 ?

thanks
Rob

02flaresidesport · 06-14-2009, 09:32 AM

Headers, CAI, port the TB and Mass, bigger injectors. Programmer. I think thats about all I have seen you cab do to a 4.2. I have a CAI cat back system, TB and Mass ported. and a programmer on the way.

liftedfordturbo · 06-14-2009, 03:53 PM

yeah, flares pretty much has it covered. a 4.2 is pretty limited to mods unless you have a rediculoius amount of money just laying around you can spend. But it depends. what are you wanting todo with the motor? if you want you could twin turbo it. but ti would take some time to get it there. but it is possible. i had a friend who did it. i could walk you through the steps if you want to take a wack at it or just look over the specs.