One problem related to engine stall has been reported for the 1997 Ford E-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.