Well started to mod a bit.
Ok guys and gals. I need some help PLZ!! Truck running fine all weekend this morning get home and notice smell of antifreeze. Starting looking around and it just dripping a lot under and big puddle more like running of truck so start looking more. I have engine oil in anitfrezze bottle. HELP!!! It's a 4.2l v6 2002 2wd.
Looked up a bit and said blown head gasket. If so how big a job. What all gaskets will need replaced??? Any help or suggestion greatly appreciated. Stranded now and no vehicle. Errr.
Looked up a bit and said blown head gasket. If so how big a job. What all gaskets will need replaced??? Any help or suggestion greatly appreciated. Stranded now and no vehicle. Errr.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 14,978
Likes: 143
From: Northern Virginia
Ok guys and gals. I need some help PLZ!! Truck running fine all weekend this morning get home and notice smell of antifreeze. Starting looking around and it just dripping a lot under and big puddle more like running of truck so start looking more. I have engine oil in anitfrezze bottle. HELP!!! It's a 4.2l v6 2002 2wd. Looked up a bit and said blown head gasket. If so how big a job. What all gaskets will need replaced??? Any help or suggestion greatly appreciated. Stranded now and no vehicle. Errr.
Thread Starter
2015 F-150 3.5 ecoboost
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 54
From: Canton Ohio
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: North Charleston, SC
It is. Mostly due to the fact that the 4.2 is an Essex motor while the 5.4 is a modular.... Trolly motor is trolly...
Thread Starter
2015 F-150 3.5 ecoboost
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 54
From: Canton Ohio
After further inspection into this. I just may show how I go about replacing head gaskets on a 4.2L. I'll be doin both sides. Might as well lol. If I had the extra money I would put a cam and headers as well. But the funds aren't there for it Goin be tight to get all I need to do this. Should be fun with lots of colorful words LMAO.
After further inspection into this. I just may show how I go about replacing head gaskets on a 4.2L. I'll be doin both sides. Might as well lol. If I had the extra money I would put a cam and headers as well. But the funds aren't there for it Goin be tight to get all I need to do this. Should be fun with lots of colorful words LMAO.
Thread Starter
2015 F-150 3.5 ecoboost
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 54
From: Canton Ohio
Update. It's not blown head gasket. I called ford explained it all and they told me it's the radiator. Something bout the tranny cooler is part of it and that is leaking. Plus my intake manifold was leaking at the 90 degree metal pipe under upper intake. Buying a new lower intake manifold and new radiator and new gasket set and isolator bolts and new thermostat. Already ordered the things and on way and the truck tore down and just a waiting game.
Hopes they know what they are talking about lol. Now got new plugs wires oil sensor fuel filter and now all this.
Hopes they know what they are talking about lol. Now got new plugs wires oil sensor fuel filter and now all this.
Thread Starter
2015 F-150 3.5 ecoboost
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 54
From: Canton Ohio
Ok as mentioned before. Update. Wasn't 100% sure it wasn't a blown head gasket do I'm tearing it down to replace them anyway. Now my question is. At 141,000 miles should I just get a new water pump while tore down this far??? Haven't had any problems with is this far. So trying to figure if I should spend the extra $65 to new one. I'm on a very limited budget here. Maxed out more like it now. I've got close to $750 in it at this point. Gaskets new lower intake new radiator. Just tearing down now all waiting to be out in. So was wondering bout the water pump. Thanks for any advice.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,926
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From: Tallahassee, Fl
I had a 97 with 300k on it with the stock water pump on it. With that being said, I would still replace the water pump & t-stat if I were that far into it. If not for anything else, for the peace of mind. Rebuilt my 00 5.4 at 167k due to a rod bearing and replaced everything but the radiator just to know I would not have any future issues. Bite the bullet, eat ramen noodles for a week, & get the WP. My 2 cents.