Hi All,
New to the site. I just picked up a 2000, F150 with a blown engine. It has the 4.2, standard tranny. I am starting the search for the replacement, and wanted to get some advice from you guys.
One question, are there other engines I should consider or is the 4.2 a good engine? If I did repower with a different engine, how plug and play is it?
If I do find a 4.2 that came with an automatic tranny, I would re-use the original flywheel, are there any other differences I am not thinking about between an auto trans equipped engine versus a standard trans equipped engine.
Are the 4.2s prone to any failures or faults I should be aware of when looking around at different engined?
Thanks in advance,
Tim

 

The newer 2000 and up 4.2's were good to my knowledge. You can just swap the flywheel to the new motor and it will all bolt up no problem

 

Thanks for the reply. Are the 4.2 s that are pre 2000 to be avoided? I have found one from a 97, it is still in the truck and can be run, supposedly has about 100k on it. he is asking $350 which seems fair.
Tim

 

The 97 and 98 engines are the ones to stay away from. They have been known to hydrolock from coolant leaking into the cylinder.

I can't remember how the pilot bearing system works on these engines but you might need a pilot shaft bearing if you get an engine out of an automatic.

 

Interesting! The demise of the engine in this truck (a 2000) was due to hydrolocking.
I will keep an eye out for a newer one. Up to what year should I be looking?
Thanks,
Tim

 

That body style ran upto 03.5 .... I have a 02 and a 08 with the 4.2 Both are damn good engines .. The 02 has 170k Never had an problem out of it.

 

I would look into putting a 4.6 or 5.4 in it.

 

Look for a engine out of a 01-03.5If you decide to go with a 4.6/5.4 you will need a new transmission and drive shaft. To swap a 4.6/5.4 you will need a pcm and engine harness. You will also have to have the PATS system reprogrammed at ford so it will start.

 

Be prepared to lift the cab for ease of install. You can R&R engines in these trucks through the hood but is a pain!
I have done 3 on these trucks now, 2 5.4 v8s and a 4.6. Here's a pic of the last swap I did on my crew cab.

 

Thanks for all of the replies, this has been very informative. I just got the truck home last night, having bought it almost sight unseen. Pretty clean overall. Lifting the cab is a great idea, I cant say I would have thought of that, but I was looking into the hood thinking what a bear it was going to be working in that cave!
Tim