While driving the vehicle overheated due to a faulty intake manifold that caused coolant to leak inside the engine. The dealer was notified and determined that the engine needs to be replaced. Please provide any additional information.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Coolant was added to the vehicle, and within twenty minutes the coolant level was low, and the vehicle started to drive roughly. Driver shut off the vehicle and would not restart it. Dealer found that cause of the problem was a faulty head gasket.

- Brownsville, TX, USA

My 1997 Ford F150 with 4.2L V-6 manifold gasket failed which caused coolant to leak into cylinders. Without any warning, at cold start the coolant in the cylinders caused pistons/rod to break and engine suddenly began loud knocking and pouring white smoke out of exhaust. This truck has been meticulously maintained and has never been driven hard. Local repair shop says the local machine shop they use for rebuilds has seen at least 24 of these engines since January 1st, 2003! estimates to rebuild or replace this engine range from $2,000 to $4,000. We have not yet decided what to do - scared to get new engine from Ford because same problem may still be present.

- Warrenville, SC, USA

The vehicle experienced the same defect with the water pump as stated in recall 00 V 094 000, however the vehicle identification and model was not included in the recall.

- Elkton, KY, USA

A tie rod fell off while driving. The front engine seal and intake manifold gasket failed resulting in and antifreeze leak. Some of the vehicles lights (dome light and dash light) stayed on although the vehicle was turned off.

- Calais, ME, USA

This leak has possibly damaged my engine it was a Ford design flaw what can I do" I attempted to send you this report on 12/07/02 but it was not complete was the message that was sent back to my E-mail. Therefore, I am sending this to you again I understand that a recall number 99B29 has been placed by Ford but it does not cover this problem. What can I do" please contact me if you would and let me know what I should do here!

- Pinehurst, NC, USA

No summary.

- Pinehurst, NC, USA

This truck should have been included in the Ford recall 99B29. After contacting Ford. They refuse to extend the recall. It is my belief, that the recall was too narrow in scope and should be extended to all 1997 Ford F-150 trucks. Many other Ford owners have experienced this same problem (leaking gasket which in turn permits the coolant to leak antifreeze into the engine, thereby damaging the engine). The 1997 Ford F-150 was the first year of the new model design and apparently Ford is not stepping up to help their customers. My research has indicated that this problem occurs with the 1997 F-150 when the truck has reached 60,000-70,000 miles and after the warranty has expired. The Ford dealers as well as corporate has knowledge of this problem and are refusing to acknowledge that this recall was not broad enough to cover the many trucks that have encountered this problem. Had my vehicle been included in this recall, I would have taken my truck immediately to my dealer to have the work performed, thereby avoiding any potential damage to my truck's engine. Instead, I was not the recipient of a recall letter and Ford tells me my truck is not included. It seems clear that my truck experienced the same identical problems which the recall specifically states: " 1997 Ford F-series 150, equipped with 4.2 L engine; vehicle my experience engine coolant leak at engine front cover gasket; thereby causing severe engine damage is not immediately corrected". this is exactly what happened to my truck and how Ford can not claim liability is unconscionable. I would ask that you please launch an investigation into this defect and try to get the recall broadened in scope. Thank you very much.

- Toledo, OH, USA

2/01 vehicle was brought to lithia Ford in concord to diagnose over heating. Cooling system was checked and stated C.S. was holding at that time, tore down motor, found bad bearings, oil pan milky, head gasket bad. Replaced w/4.2 engine which was covered under an ext warranty, other recommended fix clutch disc throw out bearings. 11/2000, pwr steering hose bad, replaced,10/01 ck eng lit one, , idle air cntrol valve replaced,6/02 overhearing, new thermo, coolnt flsh, oil change, new brakes recommended, done.9/4/02, overheating again, recommended new radiator/water pump, inqired on PCV modification recall, they will replace.

- Brentwood, CA, USA

Timing gasket failure followed by engine failure. Good running truck brought to Firestone shop for diagnosis & repair of water leak. Timing gasket and water pump replaced. Water pump was not leaking, but had 100K miles. After leak repair severe hesitation noted on acceleration from stop. While returning to Firestone oil pressure drop at red light after passing other vehicle. Cam shaft sensor now bad and changed; hesitation fixed, pressure ok. Drove < 5 miles; accelerated onto interstate & drove 4 mi. At 1st stop after exiting interstate oil pressure drop. Returned to Firestone. Now I need a new engine--$3000!

- New Orleans, LA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Howland, ME, USA

Vehicle was parked in front off of house and coolant fluid was leaking from engine. Dealership was aware of problem.

- Forest Lake, MN, USA

No summary

- Centerville, TN, USA

Coolant leaks through timing chain cover; wipers come on unexpectantly while in off position.

- Abell, MD, USA

First noticed that the truck was hesitating and could not accelerate easily. Took to a friend of ours who opened up a new auto shop and he changed the oil and noticed that it was contaminated with coolant. He then pulled up tsb from the internet regarding engine contamination, article no. 99-20-7. he encouraged us to take it to a Ford dealer where they could further diagnose and hook up to their diagnostic machines, as our check engine light was on and he wasn't set up to read the computer. We drove the truck, with brand new oil, 4 miles to our house, parked and called a tow truck to come and take it to the dealer where we had purched the vehicle. We also saved a sample of the contaminated oil in an old windex bottle and sent it to the dealer. It sat for three days with no one looking at it until I finally drove there myself and asked what the heck was going on. I was informed that the person that was supposed to look at the car did not come into work and he had someone else looking into the problem. I then had to call back when I got home, 5 hours later, and was told that the whole engine had to be replaced or taken apart to see just how much damage had been done. They said it was excessively driven with the contaminated oil. We never even knew that the oil was contaminated, nor were we ever notified of the recall notice. We have the oil changed every 3,000 miles, always! then he proceeds to tell me that our vehicle is not part of the recall. That is all we know for now and am waiting for more information from the dealer after he talks with his manager and Ford. Hoping for the best.

- Gustine, CA, USA

When on the highway vehicle runs hot. When pouring coolant in to it, vehicle leaks. To vehicle dealer, and they could not remedy the problem.

- Le High, FL, USA

Due to a design flaw fuel filler tube cracked, causing fuel to leak. Also, engine check light came on, and vehicle overheated.

- Festus, MO, USA