I was driving down the road. The engine got caught on fire. When I have the mechanic looked at it he said that it looked like the rocker arm in the engine came off and he said the that the valves got destroyed from the rockers.
1997 Ford F-150 engine complaints
Page 2 of 19: complaints 11 to 40 of 544, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My truck was loosing water to the oil pan and caused the engine to need replacing in 2004. Ford charged me 5200.00 to replace the engine and said the warranty would not cover it. Now the replacement engine is doing the same thing. Why will ford not admit the problem with the 97 4.2 and not try to cover it up.? I do not have alot of money and can't afford to let them keep fixing their problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the oil pressure warning gauge illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the oil pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was repaired three times. The vehicle was taken to a fourth dealer for diagnostic testing however, the technician advised that there were no failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000 and the current mileage was 107,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the engine failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine blew a rod through the oil pan. As a result, the motor crate needed to be replaced. After the repairs the contact heard a loud noise coming from the engine after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturerer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 82,000.
4.2l f150 had a slow loss of coolant and not being notified that this could be a potential problem which could lead to engine destruction, I would simply add more coolant. This condition resulted in complete hydro lock and destroying #5 rod bearing. While I can well understand problems associated with vehicles of 1997 vintage I can not understand at all ford not advising consumers of potential problems with their vehicles before they spend 4k$ in rebuilding and installing this long block and finding out they had squandered their money on trying to resurrect a dead horse with 86069 miles on the odometer.
Ford recall 99b29. Front cover gask unable to hold coolant.
Truck has a 4.2 liter, v-6 engine. A week prior to incident the truck was driven then parked in a my garage. On the incident day I tried to start the truck but heard only a loud, hard knock when the starter engaged. The engine would not turn over. The battery voltage checked out ok. I had the truck towed to a local repair shop. The starter was removed and checked out ok electrically. The mechanic manually rotated the engine backward 1-1/2 turns (he could not rotate it forward) then tried to start it but the engine again made a loud, hard knock sound. The mechanic though the timing chain failed or a push rod was bent. However, since the truck ran fine the last time it was used I felt the problem developed during its last use and last cooldown. I concluded a gasket failed (or a head cracked) allowing coolant to leak into one or more cylinders during its last cooldown. I had the truck towed back to my garage. I removed all spark plugs and found coolant draining from the passenger side front cylinder which was causing hydrolock. I rotated the engine backward 4-1/2 turns then forward 9 turns. The engine now turned freely. A total of 4 to 6 ounces of coolant came out of the cylinder. I spoke with a mechanic who checked the ford alert system and found a posting for the 1997 4.2l v-6 engines that indicated they are prone to intake manifold o-ring failures. I found many reports of similar failures for this year and engine type. I intend to check in with the local ford dealership to get their take on this problem and find out why I wasn't notified about a "recall".
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, he heard the horn sounding off. The vehicle engulfed into flames soon thereafter. The fire department was notified and extinguished the flames. The fire chief stated that the frontal area on the driver's side was the cause of the fire. The vehicle had not been inspected. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that after receiving notification of the federal safety agency campaign I.d. 11v385000 (fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting) the contact took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer stated that the fuel straps were corroded. The dealer was unable to perform the recall remedy due to the severity of the corrosion on the fuel tank straps. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the recall repair and was advised that the manufacturer the fuel tank mount would have to be repaired at the contact's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. The consumer stated the frame bracket had rotted and the recall could not be performed. The consumer stated the vehicle has a slight hesitation, there was a noise when the gear was in drive, the brakes felt spongy, the brake line had to be replaced, as well as the brakes, calipers and hoses. Updated 04/17/12 updated 04/25/12*lj updated 05/02/12
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked. No one was injured from the fire. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and took a complaint. The contact did not know what caused the fire. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, flames emitted from the engine compartment. The contact mentioned that he was able to extinguish the fire with a water hose. The fire department was not contacted and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 207,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, a loud banging noise emitted from under the hood and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The front end of the vehicle also began to shake. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 211,000.
Engine front cover gasket failed in line with recall 99b29. Ford does not include my truck built 1997 in recall campaign indicating the original recall has been inadequate.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact started the vehicle and a spark plug ejected from the head of the engine. The contact shut the vehicle off and had the vehicle towed to a local mechanic. The local mechanic confirmed the blown spark plug as well as a coil, and advised replacing the engine. The contact called the manufacturer to order the necessary parts for repairs and the manufacturer advised that there were only two engine heads available in the country. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed the vehicle to be unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
I last drove my truck on 06/20/2011. When I woke up to feed my animals I heard a sound like a bird caught under my truck. I looked under the drivers side fender and saw flames. I popped the hood and saw the master cylinder was on fire. I grabbed my fire extinguisher from my barn and put the fire out.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle he noticed that the engine would start knocking and making a loud noise. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and they advised him that it was a defective motor and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Just driving my 1997 ford f-150 and have had 2 spark plugs fly out the truck. Motor then runs rough and continues to operate for some time before you get any engine light. Afraid to let wife use truck cause it could catch fire.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact noticed something hanging underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who inspected the vehicle and found one of the fuel tank straps was corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and the current miles were 147,008. Updated 06/17/11 *bf the mechanic stated the gas tank had rusted where the fuel straps broke. The spare tire fell off due to cable failure. Also the head gasket had to be replaced due to anti-freeze leaking into it.
I have a 1997 f150 4.2 v6 that I purchased new from ford. I noticed that it was losing coolant, but could not find a leak. In 2005, with only 89000 miles on the vehicle I started it up one afternoon when I was on my way home from work and it was running rough. I drove it home and parked it and went out approximately an hour later and started it up and it had a very loud rod knock. I was just researching rebuild kits and rebuilt engines when I came across all the posts about hydrolock. I now know that this was a situation that ford was aware of, but did nothing to correct and left people like myself with a vehicle that was well maintained and did not last. Unfortunately, I did not have the means to repair and the vehicle has been sitting all this time. I think they should have taken responsibility when they found out and people like myself would have had protection on our investment.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving, he heard a knocking noise and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to his residence where a mechanic inspected the vehicle. The mechanic advised that the coolant leaked from the intake gasket into the cylinder in the engine which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current and failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
1997 ford f150 4.2 liter engine leaked water into the engine from a faulty bottom intake manifold side gasket. The repairs cost 1486.00. Noticed that many people online have complained about this same problem and became aware this has been an ongoing issue with this same make and model of vehicle.
1997 ford 4.2l f150 - 91,000 miles vehicle properly maintained, "babied" it. It never had oil, coolant, or any engine problems. Started vehicle and heard an engine sound "pop", and noticed white smoke emitting from tailpipe. The gauges were reading all normal, as well as oil and transmission fluid levels. The check engine light came on. I immediately took the truck to my shop, they said without taking engine apart it sounds like a rod or bent crankshaft. They mentioned that it appears to be a common problem with ford 4.2 engines. It is now at the local ford dealer - they have not explained how this happened but that I need an engine rebuilt. Really. Thank you ford for standing behind your product. Cheaper to buy a rebuilt engine? Does it have the original engine gaskets? Then I can expect to spend another $4000,00 in three years or just after the warranty expires. If you have an engine problem with the ford f150 4.2l just do an internet search! Where is the class action lawsuit?
Purchased a used 1997 ford f-150 truck from a private one owner person, the truck had less than 58,000 original miles, this truck has a 4.2 liter v-6 engine, which was well maintained. After driving the truck for less than 4 months of owning it the engine suffered a catastrophic engine failure due to a defect in engine gasket, torque sequence and other specific specs, have not been notified of this problem from ford motor co. As of yet. The engine suffered what is called hydraulic-lock and when the engine cranked up it bent piston rods in the motor and the piston skirts are now hitting the crankshaft, requires a total engine rebuild or new engine replacement.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. The vehicle was parked when a fire began. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 180,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f150 xlt. The vehicle was parked for over 18 hours and caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The fire started under the hood of the vehicle and it was destroyed. No one was injured. The manufacturer was called and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 101,000.
My 1997 ford f-150 started to leak coolant into the cylinder. I decided to buy a brand new motor from ford back in 2005 because repair the leaking gasket was not worth it. There is a group of people saying that ford should have or indeed have recalled these motors and I never new about it. I was never informed when I took to a ford dealership. I paid $2500 for a motor ford should have paid as I am understanding from what I read online.
A 1997 ford f 150 parked in a parking lot for several hours caught on fire on it's own in the engine compartment and was completely destroyed. The fire department stated that there was no external cause.
I parked my car in a parking structure at a luxury apartment complex for almost 4 hours. When I came back to get my lunch my co-worker yelled "dude your car is on fire" I immediately try getting a fire extinguisher and finally found one 2 minutes after I found my f-150 on fire. Thankfully the fire extinguisher put out the fire. Some parts under the hood is all burnt up. I contacted ford to let them know what happened,because by doing some research I found out that there are recalls on the same year as my truck. I had a mechanic check my truck and he told me that everything the recall is describing,happened to my truck. Ford said someone will contact me within 15 business days, unfortunately that is a huge inconvenience for me,due to the fact I use my truck for work an did now have to use my wife car that isn't really reliable when it come to my job. Note that very same day I filled up my tank with 23 gallons worth of gas and this incident could of been worst if I discovered the fire at a later time. I'm really hoping that this issue can be resolved,because I am not able to drive my truck at all.
97 f150 with 130k engine gasket blew. This engine had a recall on engine and timing cover gaskets, and when I typed my VIN number in on the ford site, they said I had no outstanding recalls. I asked ford for the name of the dealer who lied and said they did the work and only got paid for it, and ford said they had no info. I got the shaft, and it cost 5k to get engine rebuilt myself.
1997 ford f-150 4.2l v6. Engine coolant filled engine cylinder resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Replace engine with used one at a cost of $3500.00. This engine shows signs of same problem. I have driven fords for 30 years, this is the last one I'll own.
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