I have owned a 1998 F150 that has been an outstanding truck since I bought it used in 2002. I unfortunately have the dreaded hydro lock problem related to the intake gasket on number 4 cylinder. The engine is frozen and won't move at all. I have elected to do an engine swap with a rebuilt engine and was wondering if any one here who has done this job could offer any advice on known problem areas. I have obtained a Haynes book with torque specs. Am planning on taking pictures of the engine compartment to help locating wires and hoses plus labeling everything as it is removed. I've also decided to replace the water pump, belt, hoses, thermostat, plug wires. Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm looking forward to getting my truck back together.

 

Engine repair worked out. Found a bent rod in number 4 cylinder. Replaced rod, piston, bearings and rings in number 4 cylinder and put engine back in truck. After doing some cleanup items and replacing water pump, thermostat, belt , belt tensioner, radiator hoses, heater hoses, and vacuum hoses truck is back on the road.

 

Pictures of damaged rod and engine on stand

 

I'm sorry that I missed the thread starter, drive the 4.2 myself and am interested in any issues about this engine. What is the hydro lock issue with the intake gasket?

 

There is a range of years in that engine that have a history of lower intake gasket failures leading to coolant leakage into the cylinders and as you might imagine causing a lot of damage. I think the years prone to this are 97 and 98. I noticed the new Ford intake gaskets looked thicker than the original so I hope this will help to solve the problem.

My engine was running fine until about a month ago and I noticed on start it ran rough for a minute and then cleared up. After a few days of trying to find the trouble I noticed white smoke coming out the tail pipe. I was in the process of doing a compression test and tried turning the engine over without ignition when the rod bent seizing the engine.

So far the truck is running fine.