Coolant Leaking problems of the 1997 Ford F-150 - part 1

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, he heard a knocking noise and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and it was towed to his residence where a mechanic inspected the vehicle. The mechanic advised that the coolant leaked from the intake gasket into the cylinder in the engine which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The current and failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

1997 f150 brakes locking up and engine coolant leak into motor.

My F-150 was running rough and had a "check engine" light illuminated. I took it to my local dealer for diagnosis and repair. They replaced the spark plugs, plug wires, and ignition coil for a cost of over $500. They stated that the #5 plug had been fouled with antifreeze. It ran fine for about a month, then upon starting my truck, a loud banging or rattling noise could be heard and the engine locked up. Upon doing research on the internet, I found numerous people who claim that a faulty gasket design caused water to leak into one of the cylinders inspection of the cylinders showed coolant to be pooled in the front, passenger-side cylinder. Certified mechanics attribute coolant in the cylinder to be due to a premature gasket failure. If not corrected, the problem leads to major engine destruction. Documented effects of the coolant leak are worn out bearings and surfaces, and broken or bent connecting rods, necessitating an engine rebuild. Ford sent a TSB to some owners of these engines to replace the faulty gasket but not to other owners. The knowledge of a faulty gasket design was withheld from some 1997 4. 2l f150 owners. I never received notification, and like many people, have suffered catastrophic engine failure. Average repair costs are around $4500 dollars. Ford did not notify owners of known defects and Ford technicians who should know better than anyone, did not notify me.

I have owned a 97 Ford f150 xcab for >7 yrs. I kept up on all maint & oil/fluid changes. I have cared for my truck as I have my own kids! it ran well on Friday night (4/4/08) then on Saturday morning husb turned the key and the engine started to bang loudly and spit out white smoke. There were no prior symptoms or engine warning lights leading up to this so I checked the internet to look into it. I came to find there are thousands of people this has happened to and that Ford knew all about it! my truck has only 116,000 original miles in 10 years! not abused. Apparently, Ford issued a recall on a faulty gasket that allowed coolant to leak into the plugs/oil but it was not a recall I was offered or told of when we asked if there were any recalls on the vehicle over the years! today I found 2 more recalls 4 it on their site (not the gasket 1) that they didn't tell me of on 4/7/08 when asked 4 a VIN when calling about the problem. I asked 4 the price of a rebuilt engine as they said they wouldn't fix a rod & quoted $5,500. When I asked if it was for everything, he replied "no - parts can really add up, honey"! I took great care of this truck! I opted to tow it to another accredited shop since they wouldn't give me a total price. Not including 2 tows & paying $150 to diagnose I was quoted a min of $7,300 to fix w/rebuild +/- 12%. . Read more...

Engine locked up from coolant from intake gasket leak at 78813 miles Fordfleet. Com there was a recall for intake gasket but never received recall 1997 Ford f150 4. 2l engine.

I have a 97 F-150, v-6 4. 2l engine pickup. I have always a coolant leak coming from somewhere, but lately it has got worse. I've researched this subject and found that there are alot of Ford owners with this same vehicle and engine with the same issue. Loss of coolant. Intake gaskets, headgaskets and timing chain cover gaskets. This is not only a consumer issue but a safety issue and it seems Ford does not recognize the problem. I contacted Ford and it was stated there was no recalls concerning this issue. You would assume that with a large population of Ford owners having the same issues something would be done to rectify the problem. Instead its left to the owner to conduct the repairs with a heavy financial costs. It can only be assumed Ford is fully aware of the problem that consumers are having. Why isn't anything being done? not only do I have the timing case leak, but now I have to worry about when my engine will seize due to intake or headgasket leaks.

Coolant leaking into cylinders causing engine to lock up at startup.

1997 F-150 xl sb (truck) two days ago, I started the truck and noticed that a large amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust and there was a banging on the engine. I checked the fluid levels. . All were within the correct levels. . Took it to a reputable mechanics. . Told me that Ford should have recalled all of these trucks. . . He said that the front cover gasket had been compromised and that there was coolant leaking into the engine. . I found a website where there were 100's of individuals who were having the same problem with this v-6 engine (4. 2 l). I am appalled that Ford would allow this to happen. . . Oh, yes. . . . I never received a TSB regarding this matter. . I bought this vehicle brand new in 1997 and I have only 38,891 miles on this engine. . . . I am livid that I have been royally screwed!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Check engine light came on and when mechanic service vehicle he informed me that coolant has leaked into the number four cylinder and that this engine has a history of head gasket failures. He can replace gasket but believes that this would only be a temporary fix. He would be willing to replace gasket for $1600 but he can not guarantee results, a replacement engine would cost approx. $4800. After researching this issue on the web it has become apparent to me that Ford has long known of this problem but has failed to take any action to remedy this situation.

My f150 XLT 4. 2l engine had been operating normally prior to 9/21/07. The truck was sitting at home and had not been driven for approximately one week when I went to drive it. As I cranked it, the engine suddenly began making a very loud clattering noise. I immediately shut off the engine and opened the hood to see if something was hitting the fan blade or some similar event. After inspecting the engine compartment and discovering nothing unusual visually, I again started the engine and again the same horribly loud noise continued. I was told by an auto mechanic who lives nearby that the noise sounded like a rod "knock" caused by catastrophic engine failure. After learning of the 99b29 recall on this 4. 2 engine for front gasket defects that cause complete engine failure if not stooped in time, I contacted the original owner and learned that he had never been notified of any such recall, and he specifically stated that anytime he was notified of a problem he always took the vehicle to the dealer as instructed. In fact, his father worked at a Ford dealership and his father sold him the truck and he still had no knowledge of any such recall. I had recently added engine coolant to the reservoir before the engine failure because it was very low, but I discovered no leaks anywhere nor anything else unusual so there was nothing appearing out of the ordinary. The engine is now ruined due to the faulty gasket because the vehicle owner was never notified of the defective condition. In fact, the original owner took the vehicle to a Ford dealership more that one year ago on may 18, 2006 for an electrical recall (05s28, cruise control) and they should have and could have also fixed the defective gasket at that time, which would have prevented my total engine failure from ever happening. . . But they didn't. Ford's failure to fix all recalled defects on 5/18/06 was inexcusable. Ford owes me a new engine!.

I went outside one early morning to start up my vehicle when I heard a loud pop that originated from the engine of my 1997 Ford F-150 XLT. I took a look at the engine; however I am no mechanic. I attempted to start the engine again, but the engine would not turn. I later found out that the engine was locked because of the coolant leaking from a gasket into the cylinder causing one of the rods to bend. My mechanic informed me that the liquid was not allowing the rod to fully compress because of the pressure caused by the liquid. Needless to say, he told me that the Ford pick ups' engines have that problem and I would just be wasting my money repairing the original engine. He advised me to search for a rebuilt engine that had a warranty on it. Due to the expense, my pick up is sitting there with a defective engine. This is the second Ford I had purchased because I was so pleased with the first Ford vehicle. However after this disappointment, I purchased a Nissan instead. I make sure that I tell all my friends and relatives of this experience with Ford and the unsatisfactory product they have put out. No wonder the Toyota tundra and Nissan titan are leaving Ford behind! "built Ford tough, right. . . .

'97 f150 4. 2 v8 coolant leak, engine blown @ 140,000 after several head gasket repairs.

I had my spark plugs replaced twice at $541 dollars at a Ford dealership because they were "corroded". Upon taking it some place else goodyear to be specific they pulled up a factory recall on Ford f150 from 97 because a gasket leaks coolant onto the spark plugs causing corrosion. Empire Ford never even gave me a reason for this, just kept cashing the checks, now they are saying my VIN number was never included, but I have the same problem as those recalled, coincidence, impossible.

This week the engine in my 1997 F-150 blew. The plugs were wet. Coolant leaked. I went on the internet to see about purchasing an engine and I found a website called fight back with david horiwitz. There are 27 pages of complaints that are exactly the same as mine. . Read more...

Low on coolant- oil pressure started to drop, coolant in oil. After reading considerably about this on internet found out about tsp #99b29 and the resulting onp do not believe this was ever fixed I am second owner and the onp expired in 2001. Ford should have to correct this problem leaking gasket. Many many complaints on websites regarding this. I have small children and cannot afford a $4000 motor because Ford did not get it right and will not fix the problem with a recall. Someone needs to make Ford responsible for their errors.

My 1997 Ford f150, 4. 2l v6, has been losing coolant since about 2004. My son had a difficult time starting the vehicle one afternoon. Finally I got it started and drove 5 miles home. The next afternoon the car started quickly but immediately started banging away. My mechanic says the engine is dead - bad rod. Now I find out from the internet that this is a known issue with this engine but Ford refuses to acknowledge it. Trade in value on the car is zero because all the 2nd tier dealers know about the engine problem. I'm out the cost of a new engine (seems only fair after my 96 windstar needs new head gaskets because they wear out at 30k miles) apparently if you know a Ford mechanic, he will tell you the motor has been bad since the day it was first manufactured. This motor should not have failed and had it not been for the faulty gasket leaking coolant into the motor it wouldn't have. From reading web sites I have found that Ford issued a recall on the gasket and then pulled it. I never received a bulletin on the faulty gasket. Don't expect to own another Ford, but some financial help would sure soothe my frustration if someone wants the parts to use to acquire compensation from Ford I can keep the dead engine for a couple of weeks.

1997 Ford F-150 4. 2l v6. Engine failure. Broken rod following hydro lock. Problem preceded with coolant leak and replacement of timing chain cover gasket.

1997 Ford f150 4. 2 motor failure. I have had to add coolant a few times over the past few years and could not find any leak, kept the oil changed every 3 thousand miles. The motor threw a rod and all the oil leaked out of the back of the engine. I found out on the internet that this is an ongoing problem with Ford, and they will not fix the problem.

I noticed my Ford 4. 2l v-6 was losing coolant. But, there was no leaks externally. I went out to start it the other morning, and it would not turn over. I searched the internet, and found info on hydrolocking and bad gaskets. I removed all the spark plugs, and cranked the engine. Lots of coolant came out of cylinder 1. Now, I'm looking at best all new gaskets, or possibly a new engine if the timing cover gaskets weren't replaced under the recall.

I have a 1997 f150 v-6 4. 2l pick up truck. I have been loosing engine coolant and my engine oil leaks out. I have found that the lower intake gasket problem is very common with this engine type and truck. I found out that Ford had a recall on this gasket but they did not send me any information about it. The recall on the gasket expired in 2005 ( I was told by Ford). I only have 66,000 miles on this truck. Can you guys help me?.

Engine failure, Ford 4. 2l v6 1997 with 102,000 miles. Started engine and loud clanging noise from front of engine also large plumes of white smoke from exhaust. Brought my truck to Ford dealer for service and was told best solution was to replace engine. Truck is currently at dealer. I went to on-line to research engine problems associated with this and found 21 pages of similar complaints. The symptoms were exactly the same for each one. Only the mileage varied. Some claimed a Ford re-call was issued for a gasket problem to correct coolant leaking into engine causing internal failures. I did not receive this recall. Please investigate what can be done to have Ford take responsibility for my (and the others) engine failure. It is very costly. Thank you.

I have a 1997 Ford F-150 with a 4. 2l v6 engine that has failed with 82,000 miles. It is my understanding this failure is due to coolant leaking into the engine due to an engineering flaw. It is also my understanding the Ford motor company is well aware of this problem but chooses to except no responsibility and leave the consumer with the burden of engine replacement for $4000 to $5000. I also understand the failures are not an isolated problem but are being experienced by thousands of Ford F-150 truck owners with the 4. 2l v6 engine. It seems to me that if a problem is this wide spread and the manufacturer refuses to be accountable a government agency should step up and represent as well as protect the people to something that amounts to out and out consumer fraud.

Bent or broken connecting rod, due to coolant leak.

Leaking coolant internally due to known manufacturer defect in gaskets. There was no external leaks, just disappearing coolant levels and car overheating. After the coolant was topped off, I tried starting the car the next morning, the car wouldn't start due to hydrolock. When it did finally start, the engine produced a loud pinging sound (such as a rod knock). I am in the process of going further into the engine to assess damage. This is a know defect to the manufacturer as they have released a TSB to address the problem. Of course this is only shared with the public after damage is done. Please help!.

1997 Ford f150 4. 2l v-6 when first starting engine cold it would miss bad for up to 30 second and then would clear up and run fine. Started loosing antifreeze with no external leakage, eventually engine steamed from exhaust. The next morning I started truck and the engine made a loud knocking noise and I found that the coolant reservoir was empty. I turned the truck off immediately and I was never able to get the engine to turn over again. Upon removing the engine and checking the connecting rods I found that the number 1 rod was bent and the bottom of the piston was broken off from it hitting the crank shaft. I am in the process of replacing the engine.

1997 F-150 4. 2 engine failure due to known (by Ford) defect that allows coolant to leak in to engine and damage the engine. The vehicle (1ftdf1720vnb15589 failed at my son's school over 100 miles from home. This particular problem is well documented on the internet. Unfortunately, we did not realize this until the engine failed. There are many Ford customers anxious for government support to require a recall to help finance this very expensive (~$4,000) problem.

I have a 1997 f150 4. 2 v6 that I purchased new from Ford. I noticed that it was losing coolant, but could not find a leak. In 2005, with only 89000 miles on the vehicle I started it up one afternoon when I was on my way home from work and it was running rough. I drove it home and parked it and went out approximately an hour later and started it up and it had a very loud rod knock. I was just researching rebuild kits and rebuilt engines when I came across all the posts about hydorlock. I now know that this was a situation that Ford was aware of, but did nothing to correct and left people like myself with a vehicle that was well maintained and did not last. Unfortunately, I did not have the means to repair and the vehicle has been sitting all this time. I think they should have taken responsibility when they found out and people like myself would have had protection on our investment.

Bought a 1997 F-150 used in 2001 with 62,000 miles on it. I have put less than 15,000 miles on the vehicle in the 4. 5 years I have owned it and changed the oil twice. I had noticed in the past that I would have to fill up the coolant, but could not find a leak. I also had problems with the heat going in and out. Went to start the truck and it shook and came to a stop. Started it again and there is now an awful banging/knock. I believe to be a rod or other internal part. Have not had the problem diagnosed by a professional, but after reading the forums on the Ford 4. 2 liter engines I feel confident that I can self diagnose the problem as having to do with the coolant leak problems. I have not ran the engine and have not had the money to fix it or replace it. I can't believe the number of people that have had the some problem, symptoms, and outcome as me. They have to number in the hundreds-thousands. Ford should not be able to get away with this and have to be full aware of the problems with their 4. 2 motor. There needs to be a class action suit and a recall. On behalf of all the F-150 owners who have had this problem we need help to resolve this. Thanks for your consideration and please inform me if anything happens or can be done as I have not found anything as far as a class action suit against Ford. Jb.

My 1997 Ford f150 with a 4. 2l v-6 engine began giving me problems a few months ago. It began having an erratic starting problem. It then began to blow out white smoke out of the exhaust. I checked the coolant system with pressure gauges, and everything showed to be fine. I did this several times, because white smoke continued to come out of the exhaust. Then I went to start it the other morning and it turned over the rod in the #4 cylinder is bent due to coolant in the cylinder. I have heard this happening to many people, and think that Ford should step up and take responsibility! . The tech then explained that the F-150s have had a trend problem with these engines for years; coolant would leak into a cylinder causing too much compression resulting in a bent or broken rod. It cost me over $2000 for something Ford knew was defective. I sent a letter (attached) to Ford and received a call from customer service basically telling me it was the owner's responsibility. This vehicle was meticulously cared for according to the owner's manual but, because of an engineering problem with the manufacturer, the engine failed. . Read more...

I have a 1997 Ford f150 pickup. It has the 4. 2l v6. I had 84,000 miles on the vehicle and had to replace the motor due to a bent rod. The rod damage was caused by a leaking gasket that allowed coolant into the cyclinder. When the truck was attempted to be started the fluid (does not compress) prevented the piston from full travel and bent the rod. This is a serious defect. Ford is aware of this and denies everything. After this happened, I became aware of many many others with the same problem.

My 1997 Ford F-150 started to leak coolant into the cylinder. I decided to buy a brand new motor from Ford back in 2005 because repair the leaking gasket was not worth it. There is a group of people saying that Ford should have or indeed have recalled these motors and I never new about it. I was never informed when I took to a Ford dealership. I paid $2500 for a motor Ford should have paid as I am understanding from what I read online.

1997 Ford f150 suffered from premature failure of the engine's gaskets. This caused the engine to lockup either from coolant in cylinder bores or crank bearing failure. At high speeds this could cause skid and loss of control. Also coolant leaks out front of engine on ground and tires when going forward.

I purchased a Ford F-150 in Jan 97 with 4. 2l v-6 engine, I have followed the services religiously, on or around Jan 2000 I tooked the vehicle to local dealer in puerto rico because there was a recall for the front gaskets to be replaced, I contacted the dealer and ascheduled an appmt. I tooked the vehicle in the dealerd 4 days later they call me and said that the vehicle was done. I went to pick the vehicle up and notice that there was no work done to the vehicle. The attendant told me that they did not replaced the gaskets because the vehicle was not leaking so it did not needed the gaskets replaced. Came to united states since I am in the military in fort leonard wood. I started to notice a loss in coolant this concerned me and replaced the water pump then it started leaking from the timing chain cover gasket so I replaced the cover the gasket and the water pump gasket once more costing me around $900. 00. Then this past winter one morning I went to start the vehicle and started to make this knoking knoice very loud knoice so I turned off and called the local Ford dealer here in st robert mo, dealer seller sexton they told me to bring the vehicle and then is when I found that the engine has broken a piston rod because coolant had gotten in the oil. They told me that it was going to cost me around $4,500. 00 I told them that I had no money to pay for those type of expences. Then I found out that the engines were manufactured with defective gaskets. I contacted Ford for assistance and they said that they can not help me because the warranty in the vehicle is expired. To this should make no difference because this was a manufacturing problem not the owners fault my truck only around 73,500. Ford needs to be held liable for this they claimed that this vehicles spark plugs are to be changed at 100,000. Miles how is this if the engines are only lasting 73,500 miles. Please need your help on ensuring Ford is held liable for this. Thank you.

1997 Ford F-150 front engine gasket is causing coolant to leak into the oil pan which has damaged the bearings. I now need a new engine. Ford had a recall issued for this problem in 1999 but I was never notified of the recall. They are not willing to honor the recall now. They state the recall time frame has expired.

120k miles, adding a little coolant occasionally, Ford dealer and local mechanic can find no reason, cranked car one morning and it threw a rod through the oil pan. . . Engine was running smooth up to this point. . . Ford replaced a gasket for me out of warrenty when the truck stranded me 1500 miles from home. . . Coolant had leaked all over parking lot at that time. . . Now I face a $4,000 repair. . . I changed the oil every 3-4000 miles.