Two problems related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe have been reported for the 1997 Ford E-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine hydro-lock. I own a 1997 E-150 conversion van. It has the 4. 2l v-6 engine. I have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced along with the water pump and gasket and also timing gear gasket. All due to a faulty intake manifold gasket. Ford replaced this in the v-8 model cars due to reading a lawsuit about it on their site. I have read in many forums that I'm not alone in this costly repair. I contacted Ford to be told that the lawsuit did not pertain to my van. . Read more...
Ford motor CO. Had knowledge of failure of the front cover gasket and lower intake manifold gasket in 97 & 98 E-150 and f-150 vehicles. Failure of any one of the above items will end the life of a engine. Ford will not ackknowledge this problem even though numerous TSB's have been put out. This is such a problem that a web site is dedicated to it. (leakingfords. . Read more...