97 F150 4.2L V6 intake gaskets GRRRRRR

[canadian redneck]

How many of you have had anything to do with these problem gaskets, and how bad are they to change if you did it yourself? :violent051:

[fordtough.ca]

How many of you have had anything to do with these problem gaskets, and how bad are they to change if you did it yourself? :violent051:
Just got answer from my mechanic
Main thing to go on 4.2L would be blown intake gaskets, or timing cover gaskets
I think f150phule did some digging into it

[f150phule]

Just got answer from my mechanic
Main thing to go on 4.2L would be blown intake gaskets, or timing cover gaskets
I think f150phule did some digging into it

Yeah digging into my wallet for about $1500.

If you check that website posted earlier www.v6f150.net they have a whole section just for the 97-98 hydrolock issue.

Basically heres my version.

Check the drivers side valve cover for the engine build date on the sticker.
If the date is after 01/15/98 then you have the updated gaskets.

The main issue was Ford put gaskets in the timing cover that were too thin causing coolant from the overflow bottle to leak into the #1, #4 cylinders.
If you have noticed that your coolant level in the over flow bottle keeps going down and you have to top it off once a week and you see no visible leaks then your just begging for a hydrolocked motor. Change em ASAP.

The parts are cheap, when I had mine done I had them change the upper/lower intake gaskets and the timing cover gasket. Make sure you buy the FORD gaskets not the Felpro ones so you'll have to buy them from the dealer. A few other minor things had to be fixed as well on mine, new T-stat and headbolt. The cost for just the gaskets should be about $120 depending on where you go. What killed me was the repair is wayyy beyond my skill level so I got nailed on the labour, the book says to replace all 3 gaskets is a 12hr job.

If you can do this job yourself you will save tons of $$$. Hell if I could do it myself I'd have changed the head gaskets too.

If you have any more questions I'd be happy to answer em here or at a GTG.