Hells
03-08-2008, 02:15 AM
Hey all I am new here to the forums. I got a problem with my truck and have been trying to seek some advice. I have a 1997 F150 4.2 and have a knock comming from what I think is around where you add the oil. It does this in idle and when driving but not when the accelerator is pressed. It does this at cold start and after it is warmed up. It has 128000 KMs or just about 80000 miles.Everything else runs great just this stupid knock! Any ideas what all I can check or do?
f150phule
03-08-2008, 11:08 AM
Not sure about the knock but there is an issue with the 97-98 4.2's you should be aware of. They tend to hydrolock if you dont get some gaskets replaced. Open your hood and look on the drivers side valve cover for a sticker. It should have an engine build date. If the date is on or before 01/15/98 then you may have the bad gaskets. What happens is when the motor cools the gasket for the timing cover shrinks or cracks letting coolant leak into the #1 or #4 cylinder. Since water doesn't compress, the next time you crank the motor it will bend or break the connecting rod and your motor is pretty much toast.
For lots more info on this and other v6 issues check out this site, its just for v6 f150s and they have complete section on Hydrolock issues I suggest you read.
www.v6f150.com
Also never ever put Bosch spark plugs in these motors, they suck.
Stick with Motorcraft, Autolite, Denso iridiums and some NGKs.