V6 4.2L engine: Gasket failure causing water/fluid fill up the cylinder which causes the rod to blow.

- Albany, OH, USA

I used to be a proud owner of a 1997 Ford F150 4.2 liter V6. That was until today when my engine hydrolocked for the third time. The truck now has 164000 miles on it, however, the first time happened at approx. 110000 miles. After doing some research it was discovered that this is a common problem with the V6 engines, and that Ford will not do anything do to the "high" miles. I replaced the engine with a complete new short bock, and the recommended by Ford 4mm head gaskets instead of the 3mm that they originally installed. This engine lasted another approx 20000 miles before it hydrolocked again. This time it was repaired under the warranty from the engine supplier...thankfully. Now, however there isn't anything to do but replace the engine again. It's not worth much as a running vehicle do to it's age, but as a non-running one it's really worthless. I just hope the someday Ford will be pressured into making some kind of acknowledgement that they have a problem with these engines and at the very least offer advice that truly helps the consumer not just band-aids the issue until it's too late. On a side not I'm not a disgruntled Ford owner I currently own four other Ford vehicles dating from 2003 back to 1986. I just hope maybe I can help get something done by writing this. Thank you for your time.

- Taunton, MA, USA

1. loss of coolant 2. pressure test showed front gasket leaking 3.front gasket replaced at cost of $1000, may have lower intake gasket leak now, all common service issue, needs to be recalled.

- Lockport, IL, USA

I didn't really notice anything just one day my engine started making loud knocking sound took it in for servicing and found out I spun a rod I replaced the engine.

- Whitehorse, 00, USA

Consumer request a response to a question he submitted to NHTSA re the 4.6 liter engine exploding in his 1997 Ford F-series pickup truck. The vehicle's engine exploded as the consumer turned the key in the ignition.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

97 F150 began to have an unpredictable coolant leak, never going below minimum coolant level. Within the week noticed water in the oil and went to take the vehicle to a service station. When I started the truck there was a loud knocking, proving to be a damaged rod. Later research showed that this is common in the 4.2 liter V-6 engine due to faulty gasket. Ford ran a "campaign, " but I never received any notification as to the problem.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Fire started in engine area after being parked for approximately 2 hours. Vehicle at a complete loss. Firefighters could not determine cause of fire other than it originating in middle of engine compartment.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

Engine failure at 73000 miles, followed all Ford recommended maintenance.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Engine flywheel failed while waiting at a stop sign. Feel free to provide any further infromation.

- Fountain, FL, USA

Bearings came loose in flywheel, causing vehicle to shake as if engine was loose. Dealer has been contacted.

- Summer Lake, OR, USA

Without prior warning vehicle was overheating. Consumer had vehicle in dealer shop for repair service seven times, and the dealer can't determine the cause. However, dealer replaced the engine due to a leakage.

- West Hills, CA, USA

Metal filings found in the oil pan on two occasions. Mjs

- Houston, TX, USA