Have 1997 F-150, went on vacation, truck ran fine. Came back and went to pick up dog from kennel, and boom, hydro-lock.

- North Charleston, SC, USA

Spark plug blow out in a 1997 Ford F 150 pick up truck with a 5.4 V8.

- Scarborough, ME, USA

1) engine begins to runs rough. ) egr ports become clogged 3) intake has to be removed and ports cleaned and injectors flushed. Was told by the mechanic that this is a known design flaw with the Ford 6 cyl. Engine, and that there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. It will have to be done again periodically.

- Alvarado, TX, USA

I dropped a rod today in my 1997 Ford-F150 with 77,000 miles. Check engine light seems to come on every 1000 miles. Highly unlikely that I would never purchase another Ford product. Maybe 1997 model was a problem with Ford acknowledging problem.

- Columbus, OH, USA

I was informed by a certified Ford mechanic, the problem that I had experienced with my vehichle is a common defect with the Ford 4.2L V-6 engines. The seal for the intake of the fuel injection system cracks and causes coolant to leak into the cylinders. A cylinder will evantually contain so much coolant that on start up of the engine the push rod or main bearing for the piston will break. The reason being, coolant can not combust, causing so much pressure in the cylinder it breaks either the push rod or main bearing. I had also talked to other independent mechanics and have been informed that many of the 4.2L V-6 engines in these vans have been repaired or replaced for the same reason.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

Notified by auffenberg Ford service department that timing cover seal allowed moisture into engine block resulting in blown engine. Advised by service department that this is a recall problem with the 4.2 liter engines on the F-150 which is also the same engine installed on the E-150 van series. Contacted Ford customer service and they denied any problems with the vans. It is difficult to believe that a vehicle maintained as well as this one was would develope this type of a major problem at this low mileage. A synthetic blend was used for the oil which was changed at the recommended intervals and monthly during the winters. After talking to several service dealers in the area, I was left with the impression that this is a common problem of defective parts installed by Ford Motor Co.. two of the local independant service centers indicated that they have seen this problem recently on the E-150's with Ford denying any problems.

- Belleville, IL, USA

Coolant level dropped, consumer found timing cover leaking, allowing coolant to leak in oil.

- Concorde Township, OH, USA

At 29,000 miles engine head gasket has prematurley blew out, causing coolant leak, cause unknown.

- Chicope, MA, USA