Six problems related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) have been reported for the 1997 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I own a 1997 F-150 . I purchased this truck from a private party when it had 52,000 miles. The truck now has about 90k miles. On may 16 I started the vehicle and heard a raucous noise from the engine compartment. On may 17th I had the truck towed to auto specialties, an independent repair shop. They identified the noise as a bent connecting rod. They discovered steam coming from the tailpipe and believe coolant seeped into the cylinder through a blown head gasket. I asked how this could have happened. They said probably overheating. Yet, in the entire time I owned it, the temperature gauge has never registered high, no steam arose from the engine area. I have always changed the oil every 3k miles. I have always maintained correct fluid levels. I have never towed anything with this truck and never carried anything more than a half-ton load. I always let it warm up and drive it gently while it is warming up. In addition, the truck speed control device was replaced by the local Ford dealer on sept. 14, 2005. In their inspection of the vehicle they uncovered no problems with cooling or overheating. This is the first Ford I have owned, the first american car. I have owned 1 Mitsubishi and 2 Toyota pickups which I bought second hand. I owned them until they had over 125k miles and they needed no repairs other than normal maintenance. I have driven a pre-owned integra to over 140k miles without problems and a Honda civic which I drove from 60k-120k without the slightest problem. A truck with 90k miles should not need a new engine. By just about any maker standards the engine should last over 200k miles. I have contacted Ford customer service and spoke with charles who said Ford was not responsible for the problem, since this problem was not part of a recall. Shouldn't Ford be concerned about a lemon, even if it is not a common problem? I believe Ford should replace the engine, since its failure is premature.
: the contact stated the vehicle lost power intermittently while driving at any highway speed. This happened more often while towing something behind the vehicle. The engine spewed coolant onto the engine block. The vehicle has been to the dealership five times. The heads have been changed once; the reservoir system has been changed twice. The egr valve has been changed twice. However, the problem still persists.
Engine coolant leaking through the engine's front gasket. Leaking a jug of coolant every two to three hours. Will cost me over $700 to fix. Can't afford to fix, so I am without a vehicle. The mechanic provided me with a document from Ford advising dealerships they knew the problem existed, but didn't recall the vehicle. Got stuck on the side of the road for over an hour in 20 degree weather. Lucky my 3 year old was not with me. If they knew there was a problem, then they should have recalled the vehicle.
Notice engine coolant extremly low added 1+gallons noticed still loosing coolant. Took 1997 Ford f150 with 4. 2l v6 and only 75,700 miles on engine to Ford dealer Ford dealer stated "no external leak found and can not find any possable internal leak. But need to replace intake set part#f652-9433-c, egr gasket part#f6az-90476-b, timming gasket part#yf2z-6020-aa, f. Crank seal part#f18z-6701-a, w/p gasket part#f65z-8507-ba, intake bolts part#n606526. 5100 and n605894. 5309, t-body gasket f75z-9e936-aa, and imrc bushingf5rz-9f955-ab" aparently Ford has and has had a gasket problem that needs to be delt with.
Consumer called complaining about having problems with the head gaskets. Also stated that went out to turn on the vehicle and white smoke came off the vehicle. Dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle ha a blown head gasket. Ts.
Consumer contacted dealer in reference to manufacturer's recall 98r04, concerning pcv system. However, this vehicle was not included in recall due to location. Recall only involved vehicles in cold climate states. Consumer uncelar about recall manufacturer sent for his vehicle. Dealer reused to replace parts. Ford admits vehicle may not stop in colder climates.