Just curious how others feel on this subject. I was told by a trusted mechanic that my F150 V6, 4.2 engine was one of the worst Ford makes and he felt that I’d have nothing but problems with it. It does have 136K miles and the engine is definitely “worn”. But I’m wondering if Ford does have a bad…

That does not change your future in any important way at all. I have slightly high blood pressure so the doctor thinks I should take a pill that could destroy my liver. Should I worry about the one or the other? I chose neither one. Your choice should be easier than that.

There are many happy owners with Ford 4.2 liter V6 engines. However, I have also heard about head gasket problems with this engine. Consulting the Consumer reports history, I find that the Ford V6 as used in the Explorer has a better than average rating and only 2006 had cooling system problems. It…

My father in law now has over 250k on the same engine in his F150 without any internal problems. Mechanics of opinions about this and that. They see lots of them only because the sheer volume sold.

Fleets which had operated for years with 4.9L Ford trucks seem disappointed with the 4.2L. The 4.2L falls far short in reliability and logevity. Long time Ford fleets are trying alternatives for several reasons, the 4.2L is at the top.

That’s a good example, folks try to go with a smaller motor where a bigger one is needed, and are then dissatisfied. I had a good talk with a tow truck driver, his company tried to ‘down size’ the trucks, had nothing but problems with engines and transmissions.

Depends on what vehicle it’s in. Back in the 80’s GM made a 2.8l V6. In the S-10/15 pickup or the S-10/15 Blazer it was a DOOOGGGGG. But in the Pontiac Fiero…it was fine.

The 4.2L is basically stroked out 3.8L. The 3.8L has storied history of head gasket failures. Early 4.2L’s suffer from this issue, it’s less of problem with the later ones though. My mother and step-father have a 1997 F-150 4x4 with the 4.6L and 3.55 gears. My dad and step mom just bought a 2003 F…

I’ve had my 2000 F150 with the 4.2 for a few years, and I’ve had lots of good luck with it. I’ve been able to pull a 4 horse trailer and a 16ft trailer loaded with 48 100lbs bales with no problem. It’s now up to 300,000, with mine even being used and abused.

It is not a dog. Engine: [Engine] Dog: [Dog] ;-]

Good grief, you sure found an old enough version of that engine. It’s not even one of the last versions. It looks like it could be the industrial engine, which is still available for sale, I believe

Is the Ford V6, 4.2 Engine a dog?

Maintenance/Repairs

Eric_Batrez September 18, 2018, 3:41pm 13

I am looking at a 2003 Econoline van with this engine…any thoughts since I’m sure it’s gears lower? Worth 2200 with 190k

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Is the Ford V6, 4.2 Engine a dog?

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